India reaches out to South Asian countries to push green power

Highlighting enormous potential for energy cooperation among South-Asian economies, India has assured Maldives of all support to promote renewable energy development in the island nation.
While speaking at a valedictory function of the South Asian Economic Conclave organised by CII here, Coal, Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal said India is strengthening its power collaboration with SAARC countries.
In terms of expanding business, "regional cooperation has become mantra of the day", a Ministry release quoting the Minister said.
A shared heritage can become the base of knowledge sharing, and trade and commerce among SAARC countries, he said adding that economic integration not just leads to inclusive growth but contribute to maintaining peace and harmony.

The Minister also emphasised that regional economies could leverage the unique strength of each other to drive growth and development in the region.
Such a concerted effort, Goyal said, fits into Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of oneness of South Asia.

He also spoke of the considerable progress achieved in India's bilateral energy cooperation with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal and the ongoing efforts to build similar engagements with Sri Lanka.
He said India has assured maximum support to Sri Lanka in fast-tracking the establishment of a 500-mw power plant in the island nation.
The Minister assured the South Asian delegates that the Ministry will lay the groundwork for people of South Asian countries to receive skills training in the power industry in India.