India-Bhutan Boost Energy Cooperation for Regional Growth

• India and Bhutan reaffirmed energy cooperation
• Discussions included the Sankosh hydropower project and power transmission infrastructure planning up to 2040
• The ministers highlighted the long-standing India-Bhutan friendship and energy collaboration

India and Bhutan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the energy sector. The Energy and Natural Resources Minister of Bhutan Lyonpo Jem Tshering met with India Power Minister Shri Manohar Lal and Minister of State for Power and New Renewable Energy Shri Sripad Naik to discuss expanding bilateral energy collaboration in New Delhi recently.

The discussions focused on creating long-lasting energy partnerships which would enable better electricity production from hydropower systems. The projects received main focus through which people handled commissioning work and electricity generation at commercial levels through Punatsangchhu-I (1,200 MW) and Punatsangchhu-II (1,020 MW) projects.

The ministers examined two topics which included planning for the Sankosh hydropower project and constructing power transmission systems which will serve until 2040. The two parties established that Bhutan needs better procedures to obtain electricity supply approvals during times when generation capacity drops.

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The two leaders emphasized the strong friendship which India shares with Bhutan while they predicted that energy partnerships would continue to develop. The two nations established their hydropower partnership in 1961 through a hydropower cooperation treaty which they signed in 2006 to create an energy development framework for their upcoming joint projects.

The meeting confirmed their shared goal to develop hydropower resources which will provide reliable electricity and protect regional energy security. The two nations confirmed their intention to work together on energy projects which will strengthen their partnership and deliver shared advantages through their ongoing relationship in the power industry.