India, Bhutan to double down on energy sector cooperation
New Delhi, Aug 7 (IANS) India and Bhutan on Friday reviewed the progress of ongoing cooperation in the power sector and discussed avenues for further strengthening collaboration across the energy sector.
Union Power Minister Manohar Lal held a bilateral meeting with Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Bhutan, Lyonpo Gem Tshering, here.
Both ministers expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved in bilateral energy cooperation and reaffirming their shared resolve to further strengthen the India–Bhutan partnership for the benefit of both countries.
According to a ministry statement, the meeting reaffirmed the special and enduring partnership between India and Bhutan in the power sector, which has been a cornerstone of the close bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The statement further stated that the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on hydropower development, cross-border electricity trade, transmission connectivity, renewable energy, institutional cooperation and capacity building.
They also reviewed the progress made under the bilateral institutional mechanisms established to facilitate regular engagement and enhance cooperation in the power sector.
Among the key hydropower projects discussed were Punatsangchhu-I, Punatsangchhu-II, Sankosh and Chukha, said the official statement.
Lal reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to supporting the long-standing India-Bhutan partnership in the power sector.
Tshering appreciated India’s continued support and conveyed Bhutan’s commitment to further expanding the energy partnership.
Recognising the importance of energy cooperation in promoting sustainable development and regional energy security, both sides reiterated their commitment to further deepen collaboration through continued dialogue, close coordination and timely implementation of mutually beneficial initiatives.
India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly 80 per cent of Bhutan’s total trade. The bilateral trade exceeded $1.9 billion in FY25, registering growth of over 46 per cent compared to the previous financial year.
–IANS
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