Thimphu: Indian Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal met Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to discuss ways to deepen bilateral energy cooperation and advance hydroelectric projects in the Himalayan kingdom.
During the meeting, Lal announced he would witness the start of construction for the 1,200-MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project on April 10, alongside his Bhutanese counterpart.
This step marks another milestone in the growing energy partnership between India and Bhutan, highlighting the shared commitment to sustainable power development.
Earlier in the day, the two countries signed a protocol updating the export tariff for the 1,020-MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project.
This project, jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bhutanese King in November 2025, began exporting surplus electricity to India from September 19, 2025, under a mutually agreed tariff.
थिम्फू में भूटान नरेश महामहिम श्री जिग्मे खेसर नामग्याल वांग्चुक जी से आत्मीय भेंट हुई। भूटान की विकास यात्रा में भारत की सहभागिता हमारी साझा सांस्कृतिक एवं आध्यात्मिक विरासत का सशक्त प्रतीक है।
भारत-भूटान संबंध समय की हर कसौटी पर खरे उतरे हैं, जो आपसी विश्वास, सम्मान और सहयोग… pic.twitter.com/fSlbXRDWqT
— Manohar Lal (@mlkhattar) April 9, 2026
Manohar Lal also briefed the King on his discussions with Bhutanese leaders, including the Prime Minister and the Minister of Energy & Natural Resources, focusing on expanding cooperation in the energy sector.
Manohar Lal said that, “Energy cooperation continues to be a key pillar of India-Bhutan relations,” highlighting how joint hydroelectric projects reflect the tangible benefits of the countries’ long-standing partnership.
With both nations prioritizing clean energy and sustainable development, these initiatives are expected to strengthen regional energy security while fostering closer economic and strategic ties.
