India and Saudi Arabia Discuss Bilateral Electrical Interconnection Initiative
Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Power, held a virtual bilateral meeting with H.E. Eng. Nasser Al-Qahtani, Assistant Minister of Energy for Electricity Affairs of Saudi Arabia, on October 19, 2026, to review progress on the India-Saudi Arabia Electrical Interconnection initiative. The discussions focused on the proposed electrical interconnection between the two countries, which holds significant potential to deepen bilateral energy cooperation, with both sides exchanging views on the way forward and underscoring the importance of sustained engagement to advance this initiative.
Both nations explored opportunities to broaden cooperation in other areas of mutual interest in the power sector, with emphasis on technical collaboration, knowledge sharing, and exchange of best practices. The Saudi Arabian side specifically expressed interest in enhanced cooperation in Extra High Voltage (EHV) transmission systems, addressing technical and operational challenges associated with higher penetration of renewable energy in the grid, strategies for accommodating growing power requirements of emerging data centers, and updating grid codes to address evolving power system requirements.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining constructive dialogue to further deepen the India-Saudi Arabia partnership in the power sector, recognizing the strategic importance of energy infrastructure collaboration between the two nations.