Question : Energy Cooperation in SAARC

(a) the details of the regional cooperation on electricity trade with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which will encourage cross-border power supply and strengthen energy security;

(b) whether the Government is exploring measures to export and import power from neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan;

(c) if so, the details thereof, country-wise;

(d) whether the Union Government has taken measures to strengthen the existing transmission infrastructure, to enable greater cross-border energy trade and to enhance energy-security of the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER,
COAL, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MINES

( SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL )

(a) to (c): For regional cooperation on electricity trade, India has signed Memorandum of Understanding/Power Trade Agreement with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and Nepal. The SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity) has also been signed by all the SAARC countries including India. The country-wise details of import/export of power to neighbouring countries during the current year 2016-17 (upto November, 2016) is given at Annex.

(d) & (e) : To enable greater cross border energy trade and to enhance energy security of the country, Government has issued the guidelines on Cross Border Trade of Electricity on 5.12.2016. Further, India with its neighbouring countries are also planning to strengthen the transmission infrastructure. The future transmission links with neighbouring countries are decided in the Joint Steering Committee/Joint Working Group between India and its neighbouring countries.

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