India and Saudi Arabia have reviewed progress on their proposed electrical interconnection project, with senior officials from both countries reaffirming their commitment to strengthening long-term cooperation in the energy and power sectors.

During a virtual bilateral meeting, Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal and Nasser Al-Qahtani, Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Energy for Electricity Affairs, assessed developments under the India-Saudi Arabia Electrical Interconnection Initiative and discussed the next steps required to move the project forward.

The proposed power link is regarded as a significant component of the growing strategic energy partnership between the two countries. Officials exchanged views on future implementation pathways and stressed the importance of continued engagement to ensure sustained momentum.

Beyond the interconnection project, both sides examined opportunities for wider collaboration across the electricity sector.

Discussions focused on technical cooperation, knowledge exchange and the sharing of operational best practices aimed at enhancing power system efficiency and reliability.

Saudi Arabia expressed particular interest in deeper cooperation on Extra High Voltage transmission infrastructure, a field that is becoming increasingly important as electrical grids expand and demand rises.

The Saudi side also highlighted the need to address technical and operational challenges arising from the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources into national power networks.

Another key area of discussion involved the rapidly growing electricity requirements of emerging data centres, which are becoming major consumers of power as digital infrastructure expands across the region.

Officials additionally examined the importance of modernising grid codes and regulatory frameworks to keep pace with evolving power system requirements and changing energy generation patterns.

Both countries reiterated their commitment to maintaining a constructive dialogue and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the power sector in the years ahead.

The discussions come against the backdrop of broader India-Saudi Arabia energy cooperation, which has expanded steadily in recent years to encompass conventional energy, renewable energy, green hydrogen and cross-border infrastructure initiatives.

The electrical interconnection proposal is also aligned with wider regional ambitions to improve energy connectivity and facilitate more efficient movement of electricity across international markets.

Separately, the Indian government has issued an advisory for Indian nationals residing in Saudi Arabia amid the prevailing security situation.

The Indian Embassy urged members of the Indian community to exercise caution, move immediately to the nearest safe location during any aerial attack, and remain inside buildings or interior rooms away from windows whenever necessary.

Nationals have also been instructed not to film, publish or share photographs, videos or information relating to ongoing events.

Embassy officials have continued visiting hospitals where Indian citizens are receiving treatment while remaining in regular contact with their families and providing assistance where required.

Travel disruptions have also continued, with operations at Riyadh International Airport remaining suspended.

However, airports at Dammam, Jeddah and Medina continue to operate despite ongoing disruptions.

Indian carriers have extended the suspension of services to and from Saudi Arabia.

Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo have suspended all routes until 24 October, while Akasa Air has extended its suspension until 27 October. The Embassy has outlined alternative travel options currently available through Saudi carriers. Saudia continues to operate scheduled services to India from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina.

Flynas is operating Dammam-Delhi and Dammam-Mumbai services between 17 and 24 October, while its scheduled Dammam-Lucknow flights continue.

Flyadeal is operating Dammam-Mumbai services on 17 and 18 October.

Indian nationals requiring urgent departures have been advised to consider travel through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, subject to obtaining the necessary visas.

Prospective travellers, including pilgrims planning Umrah journeys, have been urged to take ongoing disruptions and possible flight cancellations into account, as these could result in extended stays, and to contact round-the-clock control rooms for assistance when required.

ANI