Nepal to export 940 MW power to India, says EAM after talks

Tribune News Service

Advertisement

New Delhi, August 19

Nepal will export 941 megawatt of electricity to India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday after holding comprehensive talks with his Nepalese counterpart Arzu Rana Deuba.

Up from 690 MW exported earlier, the additional 251 MW of electricity will make Nepal the first Himalayan nation to supply power to Bihar under a medium-term sales agreement.

Jaishankar described Nepal’s decision to export the electricity to India as a “new milestone”. The EAM held comprehensive talks with his Nepalese counterpart Arzu Rana Deuba. The talks also focused on boosting cooperation in areas of trade, connectivity and infrastructure.

“Discussed the multifaceted India-Nepal cooperation, including in energy, trade, connectivity and infrastructure development,” Jaishankar said on X.

Glad to note that Nepal will be exporting close to 1,000 MW of electricity to India, a new milestone, he said. “Our Neighbourhood First policy and unique people-to-people and cultural connect propels our relationship forward,” he added.

In her first official trip abroad after assuming the responsibility, Deuba began her five-day trip to India on Sunday. “Had a productive meeting (with Jaishankar) in New Delhi. We discussed bilateral interests, various aspects of Nepal-India relations, and the exchange of mutual cooperation,” she posted on X. “I am confident this visit will further strengthen the centuries-old bond between Nepal and India,” Deuba said.

The Nepalese Foreign Minister’s visit comes a week after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri travelled to Kathmandu.