The topics of the dialogue include discussion facilitating development of grid connectivity and gas pipeline in the region, universal access to commercial energy, and development of hydro-potential in the region.

Senior officials, experts and academics of Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and host India are taking part in the dialogue. Afghanistan, which has been co-opted as member of the Saarc, will also be represented at the conference, says an official release.

Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh proposed a South Asia Energy Dialogue at the 13th Saarc Summit in Dhaka in November 2005.

It is in this context that the dialogue is being convened here to promote various non-conventional sources of energy, needed for fuelling higher economic growth in the member-countries.

Indian Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde will inaugurate the Dialogue, being jointly hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Power.

The Energy and Resources institute has been associated for preparing basic papers on the subject.