India and Saudi Arabia discuss deeper cooperation on high-voltage power grids

In a virtual meeting, India's power secretary Pankaj Agarwal and Saudi Arabia's assistant minister of energy for electricity affairs Nasser Al-Qahtani evaluated the status of their planned electrical interconnection, which would rely on extra-high-voltage transmission lines operating at 220 kV and above. Saudi officials highlighted challenges in accommodating a larger share of renewable energy and sought greater technical collaboration from India.

The dialogue also covered the growing power needs of data-centre operations and the necessity to revise grid codes to reflect evolving system requirements. Both parties committed to continue talks on the interconnection project and to expand cooperation in related energy sectors. The meeting underscored a mutual interest in strengthening bilateral ties through shared grid-technology expertise.