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ISGF Warns of Security Risks in Smart Meter Contracts Linked to Pakistani Nationals

The India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) has alerted the Power Ministry about potential security risks in certain smart metering contracts awarded to companies based in Gulf countries that employ Pakistani nationals in senior and middle management roles.

ISGF, a think tank focused on energy transition and grid modernization, stressed that power infrastructure is critical and has been a target of cyberattacks in the past. They warned that such staffing in foreign-headquartered firms could pose serious cybersecurity threats by providing access to sensitive Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems in India.

Two companies were specifically named: Alfanar Group (Saudi Arabia) and Esyasoft (UAE). Alfanar, active in India’s renewable sector, recently entered the smart metering business, winning projects in Madhya Pradesh and Punjab, which it sub-contracted to Bengaluru-based BCITS. While Alfanar’s software isn’t deployed in India, ISGF noted that senior officials in Saudi Arabia—mostly Pakistani nationals—could still access systems.

Esyasoft, which started in India but is now UAE-based, holds Meter Data Management (MDM) contracts in states like MP and Assam. MDM systems are central to AMI operations, and ISGF cautioned that foreign management could access and compromise them.

ISGF has called for a government investigation and recommended halting these projects until security reviews are complete.