Saudi Arabia and UAE likely to import electricity from India

By Agencies
June 24, 2025
A representational image of a transmission tower, also known as an electricity pylon. — AFP/File
A representational image of a transmission tower, also known as an electricity pylon. — AFP/File

NEW DELHI: Saudi Arabia and the UAE are likely to import electricity through undersea cables from India.The 1,700-kms subsea cable to Saudi Arabia will cost INR470 billion ($5.5 billion), whereas the 1,400-kms cable to the UAE will cost INR435 billion, India’s power minister Manohar Lal Khattar said.New Delhi will export 2 gigawatts (GW) each to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, he said.

“We have already signed joint venture agreements with Saudi Arabia and UAE for these projects. The power transmission link with Saudi Arabia will cost 47,000 crore while those for UAE will cost 43,000 crores, he said.

The two transmission projects, part of the government’s focus on boosting electricity exports, will have capacity of carrying 2 Gigawatt electricity each. India to Invest ?90,000 Cr in Undersea Power Link to Saudi Arabia, UAE: Power Minister

India has inked deals with Saudi Arabia and the UAE to supply electricity via undersea cables stretching approximately 1,700 km and 1,400 km respectively, Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Tuesday.

“The government has signed agreements with Saudi Arabia and the UAE to export 2 GW of power to both countries. The 1,700 km subsea cable to Saudi Arabia will cost ?47,000 crore, whereas the 1,400 km cable to the UAE will cost ?43,500 crore,” Khattar said, while speaking to the media on the achievements of his ministry over the last 11 years.The minister also announced that the waiver of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for storage projects has been extended until 30 June 2028.