India-Bhutan ink hydropower pact

New Delhi: At a time when India has strained relations with both China and Nepal to the east, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar assured Himalayan neighbour Bhutan that India is its “special and privileged partner” who stands together with Bhutan in dealing with the health and economic challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The assurance was furnished at the signing of the Concession Agreement for the 600 MW Kholongchhu (Joint Venture) Hydroelectric Project between the Royal Government of Bhutan and Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Limited (KHEL) which itself is a joint venture of Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) of Bhutan and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) of India. This is the first joint venture Hydroelectric Project between India and Bhutan but New Delhi has been boosting Bhutanese capacity in hydropower generation through several projects [Readmore]