The Government of India and the Government of Bhutan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation on trans-boundary rivers and hydropower development, with a renewed focus on flood management, climate resilience, and data-sharing mechanisms.
Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti, GoI, led an Indian delegation comprising officers from DoWR, RD & GR; the State Governments of Assam and West Bengal; and WAPCOS Ltd., to the Kingdom of Bhutan from 24–27 February 2026 to discuss matters related to cooperation on trans-boundary rivers and to review the ongoing activities of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project being implemented in Bhutan in partnership with the Government of India.
During the Secretary-level bilateral meeting held on 25 February 2026, the two sides reviewed the existing mechanisms of bilateral cooperation between India and Bhutan in flood management and flood forecasting. Further deliberations focused on strengthening and modernising the existing hydro-meteorological observation network in Bhutan on trans-border rivers, improving data-sharing mechanisms for hydro-meteorological and flood forecasting data relating to trans-border rivers, enhancing collaboration in capacity building and technical exchanges, and addressing emerging challenges arising from climate change, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and extreme weather events.
After the bilateral meeting, the Secretary paid a courtesy call on H.E. Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Natural Resources.
The Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR, MoJS, GoI, also visited the Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project under construction and the recently commissioned Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan on 26 February 2026. He held meetings with officials of PHPA-I and PHPA-II and reviewed the progress of these projects. Other site visits included the National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), Bhutan, in Thimphu; the 3.5 MLD Water Treatment Plant at Chamgang; and the NCHM flood monitoring station near Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
The visit aimed to enhance water resources management, flood forecasting, and climate resilience in shared river basins. It reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to the sustainable and mutually beneficial management of trans-boundary water resources. The Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR, GoI, conveyed India’s continued support for deepening cooperation in water resources management.
