On February 3, 2026, Bhutan's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Shri Lyonpo Gem Tshering, met with India's Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, and the Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Naik, in New Delhi to strengthen cooperation in the power sector. Indo-Bhutan hydropower cooperation began in 1961, followed by an agreement on hydroelectric power cooperation in 2006. Discussions focused on commercial optimization of power output from the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (1020 MW) and the early commissioning of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project (1200 MW). The Sankosh Hydropower Project was also discussed. India and Bhutan assessed cross border transmission links till 2040 and the need to streamline approval for scheduling of power, particularly during lean months in Bhutan.
Release ID: 2222533. Visitor Counter: 580.
Key Entities Referenced
Bhutan: One of the two nations involved in cooperation in the power sector.
Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project: A 1020 MW hydroelectric project between India and Bhutan.
Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project: A 1200 MW hydroelectric project between India and Bhutan.
Sankosh Hydropower Project: A hydropower project between India and Bhutan.
Ministry of Power
India and Bhutan to Strengthen Cooperation in
the Power Sector
Posted On: 03 FEB 2026 2:56PM by PIB Delhi
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Bhutan, Shri Lyonpo Gem Tshering, met with the Union
Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal and the Minister of State for Power
and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Naik, in New Delhi today. The meeting focused on
strengthening the longstanding cooperation between the two nations in the power sector.
Indo-Bhutan hydropower cooperation began in 1961, followed by an agreement on hydroelectric power
cooperation in 2006.
During today’s discussions, both sides deliberated on the commercial optimization of power output from
the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (1020 MW). Emphasis was also placed on the early
commissioning of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project (1200 MW).The discussion also covered the way forward for the Sankosh Hydropower Project. In addition, India and
Bhutan assessed the cross border transmission links till 2040. It also covered the need to streamline
approval for scheduling of power, particularly during lean months in Bhutan.
The Ministers appreciated the mutual friendship of the two nations and looked forward to further
strengthening it.
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NR/AP
(Release ID: 2222533) Visitor Counter : 580
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