Nepal Foreign Minister Cites 10,000 MW Power Pact As Sign Of Growing India-Nepal Green Energy Cooperation

New Delhi, Jun 13 (KNN) Nepal's Foreign Minister Arzoo Rana Deuba emphasised that green energy cooperation will create mutual interdependence between Nepal and India through the promotion of clean and sustainable energy sources. 

Speaking at the Nepal-India Strategic Dialogue in Kathmandu on Thursday, the minister highlighted India's commitment to import 10,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity over the next decade as evidence of growing momentum in bilateral energy cooperation.

The energy partnership builds upon a long-term agreement signed by both nations in January 2024, which facilitates Nepal's export of 10,000 MW of electricity to India within the next ten years. 

Minister Deuba stated that advancing economic partnership through intensified cooperation in trade, transit, and investment represents the foremost priority in Nepal-India relations.

Nepal's substantial hydroelectric potential stems from its geography, with four major river systems—Mahakali, Karnali, Sapta Gandaki, and Sapta Kosi—originating in the higher Himalayan reaches and flowing through various valleys before crossing plains to join the Ganges River in India. 

The minister described this hydro-potential as offering a clean, climate-resilient, and renewable energy source capable of serving future generations.

India has previously assisted Nepal in developing multiple hydropower projects along these high-volume rivers, with additional projects currently in development. 

The power export agreement represents the next phase in bilateral relations between the two countries.

Minister Deuba also advocated for enhanced mutual connectivity through investments in transportation and digital infrastructure, including roads, railways, waterways, airways, and digital networks. 

(KNN Bureau)