Bhutan’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Lyonpo Gem Tshering, met with India’s Union Minister of Power, Manohar Lal to discuss ways to enhance the longstanding energy partnership between the two nations.

A major focus of the meeting was optimising the power output from the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (1020 MW), with both sides expressing a shared commitment to the early commissioning of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project (1200 MW). The two Ministers also explored the future of the Sankosh Hydropower Project and discussed the planning of transmission infrastructure with a long-term view to 2040. A key topic was improving the scheduling and approval processes for power supply, particularly during Bhutan’s lean months when demand exceeds supply. Both agreed on the need for streamlined processes to ensure a reliable power supply during these periods.

Lyonpo Tshering noted, "The energy partnership between Bhutan and India is not just about economic growth, but also about ensuring mutual social and environmental benefits." The meeting held on 03 February, 2026, underscored the strong, collaborative relationship between the two countries in the power sector.