India and Bhutan on Friday discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the power sector, with a focus on hydropower, cross-border electricity trade, transmission connectivity and renewable energy.
Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal held talks with Bhutan’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources H.E. Lyonpo Gem Tshering in New Delhi.
The two Ministers reviewed the progress of ongoing cooperation and discussed avenues for expanding collaboration across the energy sector, which remains a key pillar of the close India-Bhutan relationship.
The discussions covered hydropower development, cross-border electricity trade, transmission connectivity, renewable energy, institutional cooperation and capacity building.
The Ministers also reviewed progress under bilateral institutional mechanisms aimed at facilitating regular engagement and strengthening cooperation in the power sector.
Among the key hydropower projects discussed were Punatsangchhu-I, Punatsangchhu-II, Sankosh and Chukha.
The two sides underlined the importance of energy cooperation in promoting sustainable development and regional energy security and reiterated their commitment to closer coordination and timely implementation of mutually beneficial initiatives.
Shri Manohar Lal reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to supporting the long-standing India-Bhutan partnership in the power sector. H.E. Lyonpo Gem Tshering appreciated India’s continued support and conveyed Bhutan’s commitment to further expanding the energy partnership.
The meeting concluded with both Ministers expressing satisfaction over the progress made in bilateral energy cooperation and reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the India-Bhutan partnership for the benefit of both countries.
