India and Bhutan on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the power and water resources sectors, with senior ministers from both countries reviewing the progress of ongoing projects and exploring new avenues for collaboration in hydropower, renewable energy, cross-border electricity trade and trans-boundary river management.
The discussions took place during separate high-level bilateral meetings in New Delhi involving Bhutan’s Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Lyonpo Gem Tshering.
In the first meeting, Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal and the Bhutanese minister reviewed the long-standing partnership in the power sector, which remains a cornerstone of India-Bhutan relations.
The two sides held wide-ranging discussions on hydropower development, cross-border electricity trade, transmission connectivity, renewable energy, institutional cooperation and capacity building. They also reviewed the functioning of bilateral institutional mechanisms established to facilitate regular engagement in the energy sector.
Among the major hydropower projects discussed were the Punatsangchhu-I, Punatsangchhu-II, Sankosh and Chukha projects, which are central to the two countries’ energy partnership.
Recognising the importance of energy cooperation for sustainable development and regional energy security, both ministers reiterated their commitment to deepening collaboration through continued dialogue, close coordination and timely implementation of mutually beneficial initiatives.
Manohar Lal reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Bhutan’s power sector, while Lyonpo Gem Tshering appreciated India’s continued assistance and expressed Bhutan’s resolve to further expand bilateral energy cooperation.
The Bhutanese minister held a separate meeting with Union Minister for Jal Shakti C. R. Paatil to review cooperation in the water resources sector.
The two sides discussed trans-border river management, flood forecasting and flood management, hydrological data sharing and other areas of mutual interest. They also reviewed the progress of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project and discussed measures to expedite its implementation.
The delegations further deliberated on proposals to upgrade and strengthen Bhutan’s hydro-meteorological network and enhance the existing mechanism for sharing hydrological data on trans-boundary rivers.
Concluding the discussions, both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to the sustainable and mutually beneficial management of trans-boundary water resources and agreed to further strengthen cooperation through regular institutional engagement, technical collaboration and mutual trust.
The meetings underscored the growing strategic partnership between India and Bhutan in the areas of clean energy, water resources and regional connectivity, with both sides expressing satisfaction over the progress achieved and reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two neighbouring countries.
