THEBUSINESSBTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 27, 2026

India and Bhutan have reaffirmed their close strategic partnership in the water resources and hydropower sectors, with both countries advancing cooperation on trans-boundary rivers, flood management, and climate resilience during a high-level official visit to Bhutan from 24–27 February 2026.

V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, led an Indian delegation that included officials from DoWR, RD & GR, the State Governments of Assam and West Bengal, and WAPCOS Ltd. The visit focused on strengthening bilateral collaboration on shared river systems and reviewing progress of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project, being implemented in Bhutan with India’s partnership.

At the Secretary-level bilateral meeting held on 25 February 2026, the two sides reviewed existing institutional mechanisms for cooperation in flood management and flood forecasting. Discussions centred on modernising Bhutan’s hydro-meteorological observation network on trans-border rivers, enhancing real-time data sharing on hydro-meteorological parameters and flood forecasting, and expanding technical exchanges and capacity-building initiatives. The deliberations also addressed emerging risks posed by climate change, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and extreme weather events, underscoring the need for coordinated preparedness across shared river basins.

Following the meeting, the Secretary paid a courtesy call on H.E. Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Minister for Energy and Natural Resources of Bhutan, reaffirming the enduring India–Bhutan partnership in sustainable hydropower development and water resource management.

As part of the visit, the Secretary inspected the under-construction Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project and the recently commissioned Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project on 26 February 2026. He held detailed review meetings with officials of PHPA-I and PHPA-II to assess implementation progress. The delegation also visited the National Center 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, reflecting a comprehensive engagement across hydrological, infrastructure, and flood monitoring systems.

The visit was aimed at strengthening integrated water resources management, improving flood forecasting capabilities, and enhancing climate resilience in shared river basins. It reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Bhutan to the sustainable, mutually beneficial management of trans-boundary water resources, with India conveying its continued support for deepening cooperation in the sector.