Impressed With Modi Government’s Electrification Drive, Countries In Middle East, Africa Want India’s Help To Light Up Their Villages

Countries in Africa and the Middle East, impressed with the Modi government’s rural electrification drive, have expressed interest in joining hands with the state-run Rural Electrification Corporation to electrify their villages, Mint reports.

This development comes after the government announced that it had achieved the target of electrifying all villages in the country 12 days ahead of a deadline set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the time of the launch of the drive.

According to the report, Jordan, Syria and countries in sub-Saharan Africa are interested in REC’s assistance. Countries in Africa are looking for a complete electrification package, which includes both financing and technology transfer.

Countries such as Syria, where the electricity production and distribution network has suffered damage due to ongoing civil wars, need immediate help.

“Given our experience and expertise in this field, we are prepared to provide a range of services and financing for developing power sector in other emerging economies,” Chairman and Managing Director of REC PV Ramesh said.

India is already working with some countries in the power sector. The Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCI) has clients in countries in the region, including Kenya, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Kyrgyz Republic and Afghanistan.

“We are working in some countries in areas of transmission... We are willing to provide consultancy to those who seek assistance through the consulting arms of PGCIL and REC,” said Power Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla.