India-Singapore Power Grid Plan Could Transform Regional Energy Trade

India and Singapore are exploring a major power connectivity project under the ASEAN Power Grid initiative.

The proposed India-Singapore power grid could enable 2,000 megawatts (MW) of cross-border electricity transmission. One option involves a 3,000-kilometer land-based corridor linking Imphal to Singapore through Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia.

The project could strengthen regional energy trade, improve energy security, and support the integration of clean energy across Southeast Asia.

The proposal was highlighted by Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, at the 20th East Asia Summit Energy Ministers' Meeting in Manila, Philippines, on October 8, 2026. The project remains under consideration, with the proposed corridor being one of the options being explored.

India-Singapore Power Grid: A Boost for Regional Energy Trade

The proposed interconnection aims to facilitate reliable cross-border electricity trade between participating countries. It could also help integrate clean energy into regional power systems and strengthen energy security across the region. The initiative forms part of the broader Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Power Grid project, which seeks to improve electricity connectivity among countries in the region. Greater connectivity could support multilateral power trade and help countries work together to meet their changing energy needs.

During the meeting, Naik reaffirmed India's commitment to regional energy cooperation and a secure, resilient, affordable, and sustainable energy future. He also highlighted India's Act East Policy and its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN. The minister welcomed the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2026–2030. He also emphasized cooperation under the ASEAN-India Plan of Action 2026–2030, covering regional power transmission, clean energy, energy security, and multilateral electricity trade.

The proposed India-Singapore power grid could become an important part of these wider efforts if the project moves forward.

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India Offers Clean Energy Expertise to ASEAN Countries

Alongside the proposed power link, India expressed its readiness to share its experience in renewable energy deployment, grid integration, transmission planning, energy storage, green hydrogen, and clean energy technologies with participating countries. These areas are important for strengthening power networks and supporting the wider adoption of renewable energy. Better transmission infrastructure and energy storage systems can also help power grids manage changing electricity demand and variable renewable generation.

Naik called for stronger institutional links between the ASEAN Centre for Energy and Indian institutions. These include NTPC Ltd, Power Grid Corporation, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), and the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). Such cooperation could support knowledge sharing and improve coordination on regional energy projects. It also reflects India's broader effort to strengthen its energy partnerships with Southeast Asian countries.

The proposed interconnection could create new opportunities for regional energy trade while supporting clean energy integration and electricity system resilience. However, the 3,000-kilometer corridor is still an option under consideration, and further details on the project's implementation and timeline have not been announced.

As India and ASEAN continue to expand their energy cooperation, the proposal highlights the growing importance of cross-border electricity infrastructure in building a more connected and sustainable regional energy network.