India and Bhutan power up! Ministers meet to supercharge hydropower projects until 2040

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 discussions, both sides deliberated on the commercial optimization of power output from the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (1020 MW)," read a government statement.

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 discussed the transmission infrastructure planning up to the year 2040, for which detailed consultations are currently underway. 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.

India-Bhutan Relationship

Diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan were established in 1968.

The basic framework of India - Bhutan relations has been the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries, which was revised in February 2007.

The special ties of friendship, unique bilateral relations and close bonds between the people of the two countries have maintained steady growth and strengthening all along the last six decades.