Key Takeaways:

• Nepal–India JSC on Power met in Pokhara on July 15
• Progress reviewed on Gorakhpur–New Butwal transmission line
• Talks covered hydropower, solar, green hydrogen, and grid coordination

KATHMANDU, JULY 16 Nepal and India have reviewed progress on bilateral power sector cooperation, with both sides agreeing to accelerate the implementation of cross-border transmission lines, hydropower projects and electricity trade. The commitments were made during the 13th meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Steering Committee (JSC) on Power Sector Cooperation held in Pokhara on Tuesday, co-chaired by Nepal's Energy Secretary Sarita Dawadi and India's Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal. The meeting followed the 13th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Monday, co-chaired by Nepal's Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Sandip Kumar Dev and India's Joint Secretary (Transmission) Pankaj Kumar. According to a press release, the two sides reviewed ongoing cooperation in hydropower development, cross-border electricity trade and transmission infrastructure. They welcomed progress on key transmission projects, including the 400 kV Gorakhpur–New Butwal cross-border transmission line, and discussed measures to expedite the implementation of planned and ongoing power generation and transmission projects. The meetings also covered coordinated operation of the Indian and Nepali power grids, development of solar energy projects, cooperation in green hydrogen and capacity-building programmes for Nepali energy professionals. Ahead of the Joint Steering Committee meeting, Indian Power Secretary Agarwal paid a courtesy call on Nepal's Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, on July 14. Officials said the discussions are expected to further strengthen Nepal-India cooperation in the power sector, particularly in expanding cross-border electricity connectivity and promoting clean energy development.