India and Saudi Arabia have reviewed progress on a proposed electricity interconnection project and explored opportunities to expand cooperation in the power sector, with a focus on transmission infrastructure, renewable energy integration and rising electricity demand from data centres.
The discussions took place during a virtual bilateral meeting between Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary in the Ministry of Power, and Nasser Al-Qahtani, Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Energy for Electricity Affairs, on Monday.
According to the Ministry of Power, both sides exchanged views on advancing the proposed India–Saudi Arabia electrical interconnection initiative and emphasised the importance of continued engagement to move the project forward.
Focus on Cross-Border Electricity Connectivity
The proposed power interconnection is aimed at strengthening energy cooperation between the two countries. The initiative could open avenues for electricity exchange and closer coordination between their power systems, subject to further technical, commercial and implementation decisions.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining dialogue and exploring practical steps to advance the initiative.
The discussions form part of broader efforts to strengthen India–Saudi Arabia energy ties and identify opportunities for collaboration in emerging areas of the electricity sector.
Cooperation in High-Voltage Transmission Systems
During the meeting, the Saudi Arabian side expressed interest in expanding cooperation in Extra High Voltage (EHV) transmission systems, which are important for transporting electricity efficiently over long distances.
The two sides also discussed technical and operational challenges associated with the growing share of renewable energy in electricity grids. As countries expand solar and wind power generation, maintaining grid stability and ensuring a reliable electricity supply have become increasingly important.
Sharing technical expertise, best practices and operational knowledge could help both countries address these challenges and strengthen their power infrastructure.
Data Centres and Modern Grid Requirements
The growing electricity requirements of emerging data centres also featured in the discussions. With digital services and artificial intelligence increasing demand for computing capacity, reliable power infrastructure is becoming a key priority for energy planners.
The meeting also covered the need to update grid codes to address evolving power-system requirements. Grid codes establish technical standards for connecting to and operating within electricity networks, helping maintain reliability and stability as energy systems change.
Cooperation in these areas could support the development of more resilient and adaptable electricity networks.
India–Saudi Arabia Energy Partnership
The latest discussions underline the shared interest of India and Saudi Arabia in broadening their strategic energy partnership beyond conventional areas of cooperation.
Both countries reiterated their commitment to constructive dialogue, technical collaboration and the exchange of expertise to identify further opportunities in the power sector.
While the proposed electrical interconnection remains under discussion, continued engagement is expected to help determine the next steps towards advancing the initiative. The latest meeting also highlights the importance both countries attach to modern transmission infrastructure, renewable energy integration and meeting future electricity demand.