Overview of High-Level Energy Talks

In a significant move to bolster regional energy security, high-level delegations from India and Bhutan met in New Delhi to review and accelerate shared hydropower initiatives.

  • The meeting featured Bhutan’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Shri Lyonpo Gem Tshering, holding discussions with India’s Union Minister of Power, Shri Manohar Lal, and MoS Shri Shripad Naik.
  • The primary objective was to further strengthen the longstanding power sector cooperation that exists between the two nations, building on foundations laid in 1961 and the 2006 hydroelectric agreement.
  • The talks focused heavily on expediting current mega-projects and strategizing for future cross-border grid connectivity.
Key Facts: Indo-Bhutan Energy Cooperation Snapshot
Meeting Date & Venue
03 February 2026, New Delhi
Key Focus Area
Accelerating Hydropower Projects & Grid Integration
Punatsangchhu-I Capacity
1200 MW (Priority: Early Commissioning)
Punatsangchhu-II Capacity
1020 MW (Priority: Commercial Optimization)
Future Project Discussed
Sankosh Hydropower Project
Long-term Planning Horizon
Transmission links assessed till 2040
Highlights & Official Statement Areas

Project Acceleration and Strategy

  • A major emphasis was placed on ensuring the early commissioning of the massive 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project.
  • Both sides deliberated on strategies for the commercial optimization of power output generated by the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Project.
  • The ministers actively discussed the roadmap for the upcoming Sankosh Hydropower Project.

Future Grid and Operational Efficiency

  • A long-term assessment of necessary cross-border transmission links was conducted, looking ahead to the year 2040.
  • To improve operational efficiency, the need to streamline approval processes for power scheduling was addressed, particularly to assist Bhutan during its lean months of water availability.
  • The Ministers mutually appreciated the deep friendship between the nations and committed to strengthening these ties further.
Source Information

This summary is based on a press release issued by the Ministry of Power, Government of India, on February 3, 2026.

Official Source Link: Press Information Bureau (PIB) Release ID: 2222533

India-Bhutan Deepen Energy Ties: Key Hydropower Projects Accelerated - Image 1

Frequently Asked Questions (Competitive Exam Focus)

Q1. Who led the Bhutanese delegation in the February 2026 power sector meeting in New Delhi?
The Bhutanese delegation was led by their Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Shri Lyonpo Gem Tshering.
Q2. When was the foundational agreement on hydroelectric power cooperation signed between India and Bhutan?
While cooperation began in 1961, a key agreement on hydroelectric power cooperation was signed in 2006.
Q3. What is the generation capacity of the Punatsangchhu-I project mentioned in the talks?
The Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project has a capacity of 1200 MW.
Q4. What was the specific focus regarding the Punatsangchhu-II project (1020 MW)?
The discussions focused on the commercial optimization of its power output.
Q5. Besides the Punatsangchhu projects, which other major future hydropower project was discussed?
The way forward for the Sankosh Hydropower Project was discussed.
Q6. What is the target year set for assessing long-term cross-border transmission links?
India and Bhutan assessed transmission links up to the year 2040.
Q7. What operational issue regarding Bhutan's power supply was addressed during the meeting?
The need to streamline approvals for power scheduling during Bhutan's "lean months" was addressed.
Q8. Which Indian Union Minister participated alongside MoS Shripad Naik in this meeting?
Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal.