India–Bhutan Review Trans-Boundary River Cooperation and Punatsangchhu Hydropower Projects

Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, led an Indian delegation to Bhutan from 24–27 February 2026 to strengthen cooperation on trans-boundary rivers and review progress of the Punatsangchhu hydropower projects.

During the Secretary-level bilateral meeting on 25 February, India and Bhutan reviewed existing cooperation in flood management and flood forecasting. Discussions focused on modernising hydro-meteorological observation networks, improving real-time data sharing for flood forecasting, enhancing technical collaboration, and addressing emerging challenges such as climate change, glacial lake outburst floods and extreme weather events.

The delegation visited the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project under construction and the recently commissioned Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, reviewing implementation progress with project authorities. Site visits were also conducted at Bhutan’s National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology, a flood monitoring station near Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, and a water treatment facility in Chamgang.

The visit reaffirmed India’s continued support for sustainable and mutually beneficial management of shared river basins, while strengthening bilateral cooperation in water resources management, flood resilience and hydropower development.