India and Saudi Arabia Advance Electrical Interconnection Talks

India and Saudi Arabia held discussions on 19 and 20 October 2026 on a proposed electricity transmission link and wider cooperation in the power sector. Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary in India’s Union Ministry of Power, met virtually with Nasser Al-Qahtani, Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Energy for Electricity Affairs.

Bilateral Energy Framework

The discussions covered the proposed electrical interconnection, technical cooperation, knowledge sharing and the exchange of power-sector best practices. Saudi Arabia expressed interest in India’s experience with extra-high-voltage (EHV) transmission infrastructure, including grid management as renewable energy shares increase and electricity demand from data centres grows. An October 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established a broader framework for cooperation in electrical interconnection, green and clean hydrogen, and supply chains. The two countries also discussed updating grid codes, which set technical rules for the operation and connection of electricity networks.

Technical Features of the Proposed Link

The proposed undersea power link is expected to extend approximately 2,100 kilometres and have a capacity of 3 gigawatts (GW). Its estimated cost is around US$9 billion. The project is planned to use High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission. HVDC systems transmit electricity using direct current and are used for long-distance power transmission, including subsea cables. EHV transmission refers to the use of very high voltage levels in electricity networks to carry large quantities of power.

Feasibility and Grid Cooperation

India completed a detailed feasibility study of the proposed project. The study was scheduled for presentation to the Joint Working Group on Energy at a meeting planned for 5 October 2026, for examination of economic viability and possible cost-reduction measures. Grid codes establish technical requirements for electricity generators, network operators and other users connected to a power system. The discussions also addressed managing grids with growing renewable energy shares and meeting the electricity requirements of data centres.

Important Facts for Exams

• The proposed India–Saudi Arabia undersea link is expected to have a 3 GW transmission capacity.
• The estimated length of the proposed link is approximately 2,100 kilometres.
• The October 2023 MoU covers electrical interconnection, green and clean hydrogen, and supply chains.
• HVDC transmission uses direct current and can be used for long-distance subsea power links.

The proposed interconnection forms part of the energy cooperation framework established by the October 2023 MoU. The two countries discussed the project’s progress and next steps in October 2026.