February 27, New Delhi – India and Bhutan held Secretary-level talks to strengthen cooperation on trans-boundary rivers, flood management, and hydropower projects during an official visit by V. L. Kantha Rao from February 24–27, 2026.
During the meeting held on February 25, 2026, both sides reviewed existing mechanisms of cooperation in flood management and flood forecasting. Discussions also focused on modernizing the hydro-meteorological observation network in Bhutan, improving data-sharing mechanisms, enhancing capacity building and technical exchanges, and addressing challenges posed by climate change, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and extreme weather events.
Secretary V. L. Kantha Rao also paid a courtesy call on Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Minister for Energy and Natural Resources of Bhutan.
On February 26, 2026, he visited the Punatsangchhu-I project under construction and the recently commissioned Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, reviewed progress with project officials, and visited the National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology in Thimphu, the 3.5 MLD Water Treatment Plant at Chamgang, and the NCHM flood monitoring station near Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
The visit aimed to enhance water resources management, flood forecasting, and climate resilience in shared river basins, reaffirming both countries' commitment to sustainable and mutually beneficial management of trans-boundary water resources.
(Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti)