India Strengthens Regional Power Ties with Cross-Border Projects and Strategic MoUs

The Ministry of Power has highlighted its expanding engagement with neighbouring countries to strengthen regional cooperation in the power sector, covering areas such as electricity generation, cross-border transmission, and policy collaboration.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Shripad Naik stated that India, along with its Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), has entered into multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements with countries including Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.

These agreements span a wide range of collaborations, including power trade, grid interconnections, and energy efficiency initiatives. Key Indian entities involved in such partnerships include NHPC Limited, NTPC Limited, Power Grid Corporation of India, and SJVN Limited, among others. Agreements have also been signed with institutions such as the Nepal Electricity Authority and the Bangladesh Power Development Board.

On the generation front, several cross-border projects are either operational or under development. In Nepal, major hydroelectric projects include Arun-3 (900 MW) and Lower Arun (669 MW), while Bhutan hosts key projects such as Tala (1,020 MW), Mangdechhu (720 MW), and Punatsangchhu-I and II, each exceeding 1,000 MW capacity. In Bangladesh, the Maitree Super Thermal Power Project (1,320 MW) stands as a flagship bilateral initiative.

In addition to generation, India has developed an extensive network of cross-border transmission links to facilitate electricity trade and grid integration. With Nepal, multiple high-voltage lines—including 400 kV and 132 kV interconnections such as Muzaffarpur–Dhalkebar and Gorakhpur–New Butwal—are operational or under development.

Similarly, Bhutan is connected through several transmission corridors, including Tala–Siliguri and Punatsangchhu–Alipurduar lines. With Bangladesh, key links include the Baharampur–Bheramara HVDC interconnection and the Katihar–Parbotipur–Bornagar 765 kV line, enabling large-scale power exchange between the two countries.

Emerging connectivity projects are also being explored with Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Proposed initiatives include the Imphal–Tamu transmission link with Myanmar and a 1,000 MW HVDC undersea interconnection between Madurai in India and Mannar in Sri Lanka.

The government emphasised that these cross-border initiatives are aimed at enhancing regional energy security, enabling efficient utilisation of resources, and supporting the broader transition toward sustainable energy systems in South Asia.

The developments underscore India’s strategic focus on building a robust regional power grid and strengthening energy partnerships with neighbouring countries.