Manohar Lal held a royal audience with Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, reaffirming the strong and longstanding partnership between India and Bhutan.
During the meeting, the Union Minister conveyed greetings on behalf of the Government and people of India and expressed appreciation for the King’s leadership in further strengthening bilateral ties. He also congratulated Bhutan on the implementation of the Gyalsung National Service Programme, highlighting its role in fostering youth development and nation-building, and praised the vision behind the Gelephu Mindfulness City as a model for sustainable development.
The discussions placed significant emphasis on ongoing hydropower collaboration between the two countries. The Minister informed His Majesty about the commencement of dam works for the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project, marking a key milestone toward its completion. He is also scheduled to attend the first concrete pour ceremony for the project on April 10, 2026, alongside his Bhutanese counterpart.
Further, the Minister apprised the King of the signing of a protocol agreement related to the export tariff for the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project. The project was jointly inaugurated by Narendra Modi and the King on November 11, 2025, and began exporting surplus electricity to India from September 19, 2025, at a mutually agreed tariff.
The Union Minister also highlighted his discussions with Bhutanese leadership, including the Prime Minister and the Minister of Energy & Natural Resources, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.
Reiterating the importance of energy collaboration, the Minister emphasized that hydropower cooperation remains a cornerstone of India–Bhutan relations, reflecting a mutually beneficial and strategically significant partnership.
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