Focus on India-Nepal Energy Collaboration During Manohar Lal's Visit to Kathmandu

Synopsis

During his visit to Kathmandu, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Nepali Energy Minister Dipak Khadka inspected the Arun-3 hydropower project, which underscores the growing energy cooperation between India and Nepal, enhancing the region's energy landscape.

Key Takeaways

Significant progress in the Arun-3 hydropower project.
Ministers discussed collaboration on energy-related challenges.
Reinforcement of the 'Neighbourhood First' policy.
High-level exchanges between India and Nepal continue.
Potential for increased energy supply for Nepal.

Kathmandu, April 22 (NationPress) In a significant stride towards India-Nepal Energy Cooperation, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and his Nepali counterpart Dipak Khadka toured the 900 MW Arun-3 hydropower project in Nepal on Tuesday, which is being developed with Indian support.

The ministers assessed the progress, engaged in discussions to tackle challenges, and inaugurated the electromechanical works at the powerhouse, as reported by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.

The hydropower initiative is being executed by SJVN Limited, an Indian public sector entity.

"Our meeting with Honorable Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Minister of Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs of India, was highly constructive and enlightening. We visited the powerhouse and dam site of the Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project in Makalu Rural Municipality, Sankhuwasabha. The Arun-3 project, progressing rapidly, is poised to significantly enhance Nepal's energy supply. If the current pace is maintained, it will soon be operational," stated Khadka, Nepal's Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, in a post on X after inspecting the facility.

Earlier that day, Khattar landed in Kathmandu for a two-day visit, underscoring that extensive discussions would take place to foster mutual cooperation on major energy-related matters between the two nations.

The minister reiterated that, in alignment with the 'Neighbourhood First' policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government has been advocating cooperation with Nepal at all levels.

Earlier this month, Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli mentioned having had "extremely fruitful and positive" conversations with PM Modi during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

Nepal is regarded as a priority partner for India under the 'Neighbourhood First' policy, and this meeting continued the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to deepen the multifaceted bilateral partnership.

"Had a productive meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Bangkok. India places great importance on its relationship with Nepal. We discussed various facets of India-Nepal friendship, particularly in sectors like energy, connectivity, culture, and digital technology. We also reviewed key positive outcomes from this year's BIMSTEC Summit, especially in disaster management and maritime transport," PM Modi shared on X after the meeting.