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South Asian Countries Plan Regional Cross-Border Electricity Trade
Five South Asian countries want to explore sharing electricity across their borders.
The countries are India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
They plan to study how new power connections could make electricity supplies safer and more reliable.
The project would also help countries use different energy resources more efficiently.
Nepal and Bhutan have large hydropower resources, while India and Bangladesh use coal and the region has renewable energy potential.
A consultant will examine the technical, economic and legal issues involved.
The study will suggest short-, medium- and long-term plans for stronger electricity connections.
It is expected to be finished by December 2026.
India is also working on a much larger plan to connect renewable-energy grids across several regions.
India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are studying expanded cross-border electricity trade.
The South Asia Forum for Infrastructure Regulation is hiring a consultant for the regional study.
The project aims to create a transmission master plan and a competitive regional power market.
The study will review infrastructure, agreements, regulations and renewable-energy integration challenges.
The study is expected to conclude by December 2026, while India also promotes the wider OSOWOG initiative.
- Who
- The South Asia Forum for Infrastructure Regulation, together with India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, is leading the initiative.
- What
- The countries are commissioning a study on expanding cross-border electricity trade and creating a regional transmission master plan.
- Where
- Across South Asia, involving India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
- When
- The study is expected to conclude by December 2026; the article was published on September 18, 2026.
- Why
- To use energy resources more efficiently, strengthen energy security, improve grid reliability and support regional cooperation.
Key facts
- Lead organisation
- South Asia Forum for Infrastructure Regulation (SAFIR)
- Participating countries
- India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
- Main objective
- Develop a regional transmission master plan and power-market platform
- Study focus
- Technical, economic and regulatory aspects of cross-border electricity transfers
- Existing links
- India already trades electricity with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh
- Planned connection
- India and Sri Lanka are discussing a high-voltage direct-current subsea link between Rameswaram and Mannar
- Expected completion
- December 2026
Sources
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