India and Bhutan Enhance Cooperation on Water Resources and Hydropower Projects

India and Bhutan have taken significant steps to strengthen their bilateral cooperation on trans-boundary rivers and hydropower projects. A high-level meeting in Thimphu led by Indian Secretary V. L. Kantha Rao focused on enhancing water resource management and flood forecasting. The discussions included reviewing ongoing projects like the Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project and addressing challenges posed by climate change. This collaboration aims to ensure sustainable management of shared water resources, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to work together for mutual benefits. The visit also included site inspections and meetings with key officials to assess project progress.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 27, 2026, 14:07 IST

Strengthening Bilateral Ties on Water Management

New Delhi, Feb 27: In a significant move to bolster bilateral relations, India and Bhutan have agreed to enhance collaboration on trans-boundary rivers and hydropower initiatives during a high-level meeting held in Thimphu, as per an official announcement made on Friday.

Leading the Indian delegation, V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD and GR) from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, visited Bhutan from February 24-27. The delegation included officials from the ministry, as well as representatives from the Assam and West Bengal governments and WAPCOS Ltd.

The discussions centered on cooperation regarding trans-boundary rivers and included a review of the ongoing Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project, which is being developed in collaboration with the Indian government.

During the Secretary-level talks on Wednesday, both nations evaluated the current frameworks for cooperation in flood management and forecasting.

Further discussions aimed at enhancing and modernizing Bhutan's hydro-meteorological observation network for trans-boundary rivers, improving data-sharing protocols for hydro-meteorological and flood forecasting, and fostering collaboration in capacity building and technical exchanges. They also addressed challenges posed by climate change, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and extreme weather conditions.

Following the bilateral discussions, Secretary Rao met with Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Bhutan's Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, as a courtesy visit.

On Thursday, he toured the under-construction Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project and the recently inaugurated Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, engaging with officials from both projects to assess their progress. His itinerary also included visits to the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) in Thimphu, the 3.5 MLD Water Treatment Plant at Chamgang, and the NCHM flood monitoring station near Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, according to the statement.

This visit was aimed at improving water resource management, flood forecasting, and climate resilience in shared river basins, reaffirming both countries' commitment to sustainable and mutually beneficial management of trans-boundary water resources. The Secretary reiterated India's ongoing support for enhancing cooperation in water resource management, the statement concluded.