The ₹90,000 crore investment for undersea power transmission lines to Saudi Arabia and UAE, announced by Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar

The ₹90,000 crore investment for undersea power transmission lines to Saudi Arabia and UAE, announced by Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, marks a pioneering move in energy diplomacy, with projects carrying 2 GW each over 1,400-1,700 km cables, supported by recent joint venture agreements enhancing India’s electricity export capacity.

This initiative builds on a 2025 April agreement between India and Saudi Arabia to boost energy cooperation, including crude and LPG supplies, following PM Modi’s visit, which also deepened defense ties amid regional tensions like the Jammu and Kashmir attack, highlighting a strategic shift towards diversified energy partnerships.

A 2023 study by the International Energy Agency notes that undersea cables can reduce transmission losses by up to 30% compared to overhead lines, suggesting India’s project could set a global benchmark for sustainable energy infrastructure, though challenges like right-of-way issues may delay progress.