Stories
India and Saudi Arabia Advance Electrical Interconnection and Energy Cooperation Talks
- •Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Power, held a virtual meeting with Nasser Al-Qahtani, Assistant Minister of Energy for Electricity Affairs of Saudi Arabia, to discuss the bilateral electrical interconnection initiative.
- •Both nations explored technical collaboration, Extra High Voltage transmission systems, renewable energy integration, and strategies for powering emerging data centres.
- •The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued safety advisories for nationals amid ongoing security concerns and regional flight disruptions.
- •Major Indian carriers including Air India, Indigo, and Akasa Air extended flight suspensions to Saudi Arabia, while alternative travel routes through regional hubs were provided.
Key Questions Answered
The discussions focused on reviewing progress on the proposed electrical interconnection to deepen bilateral energy cooperation. Both sides also explored technical collaboration, knowledge sharing, Extra High Voltage (EHV) transmission, integrating renewable energy, and updating grid codes.
Indian carriers have halted flight services due to ongoing disruptions, with Air India, Air India Express, and Indigo suspending all routes until October 24, and Akasa Air suspending routes until October 27. Alternative travel options include flights via Saudia, Flynas, and Flyadeal from select operational airports.
The Indian Embassy advised nationals to exercise due precautions, move to the nearest safe indoor place away from windows during an aerial attack, and strictly refrain from filming or sharing information about ongoing events. Embassy officials are maintaining communication with families and visiting hospitals to support affected individuals.
