Manohar Lal meets Bhutan King, pushes hydropower cooperation and strategic ties
Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal held a key meeting with Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, reaffirming the deep-rooted partnership between India and Bhutan, with a strong focus on hydropower cooperation and sustainable development.
During his official visit to Bhutan, the minister conveyed greetings on behalf of the Government and people of India and praised the Bhutanese monarch’s leadership in strengthening bilateral ties. He also lauded Bhutan’s National Service Programme, Gyalsung, for promoting youth engagement and nation-building, as well as the King’s vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City aimed at sustainable and holistic development.
A major highlight of the discussions was progress on the Punatsangchhu hydropower projects, which form a cornerstone of India-Bhutan energy cooperation. Lal informed the King about the commencement of dam works for the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project, marking a significant step toward its completion. He is also scheduled to attend the first concrete pour ceremony for the project on April 10.
The minister also briefed the King on the signing of the tariff protocol for the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, which was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bhutanese monarch in November 2025. The project has already begun exporting surplus electricity to India since September 2025.
Lal emphasized that hydropower collaboration continues to be a key pillar of India–Bhutan relations, reflecting a mutually beneficial partnership that contributes to energy security and economic growth in both countries.
