India, Bhutan discuss ways to boost energy cooperation

New Delhi, Power minister Manohar Lal met Bhutan king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Thursday and discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral energy cooperation as well as the development of hydro-electric projects in the neighbouring country.

The minister said he will witness the commencement of dam construction works for the 1,200-MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project on April 10, along with his Bhutanese counterpart.

The development reflects a strong momentum in India-Bhutan energy cooperation, the power ministry said in a statement.


Earlier in the day, the two countries signed a "protocol to the agreement" for the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project export tariff, according to the statement.

The 1020-MW Punatsangchhu-II project, which was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bhutan King in November last year, already commenced export of surplus power to India from September 19, 2025, at a mutually-agreed tariff.

Lal also "apprised His Majesty of his constructive discussions with Bhutanese leadership, including the prime minister and the minister of energy & natural resources, which focused on further expanding cooperation in the energy sector.

Emphasising that energy cooperation continues to be a key pillar of India-Bhutan relations, the Union minister underlined its role as a tangible execution of the mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries.