India and Bhutan on Friday held a high-level bilateral meeting on cooperation in trans-border rivers, reviewing ongoing collaboration in water resources management, flood forecasting and hydrological data sharing.
The Bhutanese delegation was led by Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, while the Indian delegation was headed by Union Minister for Jal Shakti C R Paatil.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed cooperation in the water resources sector, with particular focus on trans-border river management, flood forecasting and management, hydrological data sharing and other areas of mutual interest.
The two delegations also took stock of the progress of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project, which is being implemented in Bhutan in partnership with the Government of India. Discussions focused on measures to facilitate its expeditious implementation.
The meeting also included discussions on proposals to upgrade and strengthen Bhutan’s existing hydro-meteorological network. The two sides further considered ways to enhance the scope of the existing mechanism for sharing hydrological data on trans-border rivers.
India and Bhutan reaffirmed their commitment to the sustainable and mutually beneficial management of trans-boundary water resources. Both sides agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation through sustained technical collaboration, mutual trust and regular institutional engagement.
