India and Saudi Arabia have reviewed progress on a proposed electrical interconnection initiative and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the power sector. Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary in India’s Ministry of Power, held a virtual bilateral meeting with Nasser Al-Qahtani, Assistant Minister of Energy for Electricity Affairs in Saudi Arabia, on October 20, 2026. The discussions covered the proposed interconnection’s progress and the next steps required to advance the project. Both sides highlighted the initiative’s potential to deepen bilateral energy cooperation and reaffirmed the importance of sustained engagement. They also explored broader technical collaboration, knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices. Saudi Arabia expressed interest in cooperation involving Extra High Voltage transmission systems, along with technical and operational challenges linked to a higher share of renewable energy in the electricity grid. Other areas discussed included strategies for meeting rising power demand from emerging data centres and updating grid codes to reflect changing power-system requirements. The two sides committed to maintaining constructive dialogue on the wider partnership. Separately, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has advised Indian nationals to take precautions amid the prevailing situation and move to a safe place during an aerial attack. It has also urged them not to film, publish or share information, photographs or videos related to ongoing events. Embassy officials have visited hospitals treating Indian nationals and remained in contact with their families. Flight operations remain suspended at Riyadh’s international airport, while airports in Dammam, Jeddah and Medina continue to operate despite disruptions. Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air have suspended services on all routes until October 24 or October 27, depending on the airline. Travellers requiring urgent departure have been advised to consider transit through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, subject to visa requirements, while those planning Umrah have been warned of possible cancellations and extended stays.