Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: Nepal’s Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport and Urban Development Kul Man Ghising held official talks with India’s Minister of Power Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi on Wednesday, focusing on strengthening long-term bilateral cooperation in the energy and hydropower sector.
Minister Ghising is currently in New Delhi to attend the 8th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), where global leaders are discussing renewable energy transition, cross-border grid expansion, and climate-resilient power infrastructure.
The meeting between the two ministers took place at India’s Ministry of Power, where both sides engaged in detailed discussions on electricity trade expansion, cross-border transmission line development, the progress of Indian-invested hydropower projects in Nepal, and a future roadmap for long-term strategic partnership in the energy sector.
Strengthening Nepal–India Power Trade Framework
Nepal is seeking to scale up its electricity export capacity to India, especially during the monsoon months when hydropower production is at its peak. Currently, Nepal exports more than 1,000 MW of electricity to the Indian market, with both countries looking to formalize a long-term power trade agreement spanning decades.
Minister Ghising emphasized the importance of stable market access, additional cross-border transmission lines, and timely project execution to ensure both nations benefit from Nepal’s growing clean energy production.
India’s Power Minister Khattar reportedly expressed support for accelerating transmission connectivity and removing regulatory bottlenecks for large-scale clean energy trade within the region.
Review of Ongoing Hydropower Projects
The meeting included updates on major Indian-funded hydropower projects under construction in Nepal, including those in the Arun and Karnali river basins. Discussions were held to ensure project deadlines, financial commitments, and environmental standards remain on track.
High-Level Presence
Also present in the meeting were Nepal’s Ambassador to India Shankar Prasad Sharma, India’s Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, Additional Secretary from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Joint Secretary Sagar Raj Gautam from Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.
Regional Renewable Energy Context
The engagement comes at a time when South Asia is moving toward integrated power markets as part of a broader strategy to increase renewable energy security, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and enhance climate resilience across the region.
Nepal aims to position itself as a clean energy exporter in South Asia, leveraging its vast hydropower resources to supply neighbouring energy markets.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
