Press Information Bureau

Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, held a virtual bilateral meeting with H.E. Eng. Nasser Al-Qahtani, Assistant Minister of Energy for Electricity Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to review the progress of the India–Saudi Arabia Electrical Interconnection initiative and explore avenues for strengthening cooperation in the power sector.

The discussions focused on the progress of the proposed electrical interconnection between India and Saudi Arabia, which holds significant potential to deepen bilateral energy cooperation. Both sides exchanged views on the way forward and underscored the importance of sustained engagement to advance the initiative.

The two sides also explored opportunities to broaden cooperation in other areas of mutual interest in the power sector, with an emphasis on technical collaboration, knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices.

The Saudi Arabian side expressed interest in enhanced cooperation in the areas of Extra High Voltage (EHV) transmission systems, addressing technical and operational challenges associated with higher penetration of renewable energy in the grid, strategies for accommodating the growing power requirements of emerging data centres, 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.

***

NR/ MD

(Release ID: 2325257) Visitor Counter : 310