Nepal, India discuss enhanced energy cooperation

KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 13: Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation of Nepal, Dipak Khadka, met with his Indian counterpart, Minister of Power of India, Manohar Lal Khattar, in New Delhi on Wednesday. Minister Khadka is in New Delhi to participate in the India Energy Week 2025.

During the meeting, they discussed various aspects of energy development and cooperation between Nepal and India. Minister Khadka expressed gratitude to the Indian government for facilitating the export of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh via the Indian transmission line.

He also urged the Indian Power Ministry to grant approval for 24-hour power availability, highlighting that electricity from the Indian Power Exchange is currently unavailable from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm during the winter season. Additionally, he sought approval for exporting power from the Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, which Nepal plans to construct independently.

In response, Minister Khattar reaffirmed India’s continued support and cooperation in the development of Nepal's energy sector. He emphasized that energy collaboration between the two countries would be advanced through mutual discussions and joint initiatives.

Minister Khattar also requested Minister Khadka’s assistance in facilitating projects undertaken by Indian companies in Nepal.

The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Secretary at Nepal's Energy Ministry, Suresh Acharya, senior energy expert Prabal Adhikari, Joint-Secretary Sandip Kumar Dev, and Economic Advisor to the Minister, Amit Shrestha. From the Indian side, Power Ministry Secretary Pankaj Agrawal and Chairperson of NHPC, RK Chaudhary, were present.