India and Singapore are examining plans for a 3,000-km land-based transmission corridor that could connect Imphal with Singapore through Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia. India’s Union minister of state for power Shripad Yesso Naik announced the proposal on 8th October 2026 while outlining the countries’ efforts to strengthen regional electricity connectivity. The proposed route is among the options being evaluated for establishing a 2,000MW cross-border power interconnection between India and Singapore.
The initiative could create opportunities for cross-border electricity trade while supporting clean energy integration and improving regional energy security. According to the power ministry, the proposed cross-border power interconnection could facilitate more reliable electricity exchanges between participating countries and strengthen cooperation across the regional energy network.
Addressing the 20th East Asia Summit Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, Philippines, Naik highlighted the potential of regional transmission infrastructure to improve electricity connectivity.
The power ministry said in a statement, “On regional interconnection, Naik stated that India and Singapore are exploring options for a proposed 2,000 MW cross border power interconnection. One option under consideration is a land based transmission corridor of approximately 3,000 km connecting Imphal in India to Singapore through Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia. The proposed interconnection has the potential to facilitate reliable cross border electricity trade, support clean energy integration and strengthen regional energy security.”
The proposal remains one of the options under consideration as India and Singapore explore ways to develop a regional power transmission link.
India Expands Regional Electricity Connectivity
The proposed cross-border power interconnection forms part of India’s broader efforts to expand electricity links with neighbouring countries and other regional partners. India already maintains power connections with Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Bhutan and exports electricity to these countries.
Discussions are also underway to establish an interconnection with Sri Lanka, while plans are being explored to connect India’s power grid with the grids of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These initiatives reflect the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cross-border electricity connectivity and explore opportunities for regional energy cooperation.
Renewable Energy Cooperation and Summit Participation
Naik also expressed India’s readiness to share its experience in large-scale renewable energy deployment, grid integration, transmission planning, energy storage, green hydrogen and clean-energy technologies with participating countries. He called for stronger institutional linkages between the Asean Centre for Energy and Indian institutions, including NTPC, Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and the National Power Training Institute (NPTI).
The joint statement released after the summit noted that the meeting was chaired by Sharon S. Garin, secretary of the Department of Energy of the Philippines. Energy ministers and representatives from ASEAN member states attended the meeting alongside delegates from Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the US.
