New Delhi: India and Bhutan agreed to strengthen power sector cooperation, with a renewed focus on hydropower projects and cross-border transmission planning, following high-level talks in New Delhi on Monday.
Bhutan’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Lyonpo Gem Tshering met Union Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal and Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shripad Naik. The discussions focused on advancing long-standing bilateral collaboration in the power sector.
The ministers reviewed the status of major hydropower projects under implementation. They discussed commercial optimisation of power generation from the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project. The talks also stressed the need for early commissioning of the 1,200 MW Punatsangchhu-I project.
India and Bhutan have cooperated in hydropower development since 1961. The partnership received a formal framework with the hydroelectric power cooperation agreement signed in 2006.
India Bhutan power cooperation focuses on projects and transmission
The meeting also reviewed the way forward for the Sankosh Hydropower Project. Both sides examined long-term cross-border transmission requirements up to 2040 to support future power trade.
In addition, the ministers discussed streamlining approvals for power scheduling. They focused on improving arrangements during Bhutan’s lean generation months to ensure smoother power flows.
The leaders reaffirmed the close friendship between India and Bhutan. They expressed confidence that deeper power sector cooperation would further strengthen bilateral ties.
