India reassures Pakistan of aid to surmount energy crisis

Emerging cooperation also seen as having a peace dividend.

Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said India has assured Pakistan of its willingness to help Pakistan overcome its persistent power crisis.

"India has already taken steps. An expert team was sent to Pakistan in June to hold talks on how to give help," Akbaruddin said. "Very soon the Pakistani Minister of Power and Water Resources, Khawaja Asif, will be visiting India with a delegation."

Indian government sources said an international power grid is being considered by both countries as a way to resolve the issue. A trans-border power distribution system could help India transfer electricity to Pakistan when it faces a shortage and the same could be reciprocated by the Pakistanis.

Such a system has been discussed for years, but could not be implemented without improved ties between both countries, which have fought each other before.

Pakistani sources said the assistance is sorely needed since Pakistan is suffering power cuts lasting up to 15 hours in the height of summer. In some parts of Pakistan, power comes only for a few minutes a day. Pakistan has a daily shortfall of 5,000 MW.