Pokhara 2026: The 13th meeting of the India–Nepal Joint Steering Committee (JSC) on Power Sector Cooperation was held in Pokhara on July 15, with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation in hydropower, electricity trade and transmission infrastructure.
The meeting was co-chaired by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary at India’s Ministry of Power, and Sarita Dawadi, Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.
The meeting was preceded by the 13th meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on July 14, co-chaired by Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary (Transmission) at India’s Ministry of Power, and Sandip Kumar Dev, Joint Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.
Both sides reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation in the power sector, including the development of hydropower projects, electricity trade and transmission infrastructure.
The two countries appreciated progress on new transmission lines, including the 400 kV Gorakhpur–New Butwal transmission line, and discussed measures to expedite the implementation of ongoing and proposed power generation and transmission projects.
Discussions also covered the coordinated operation of the Indian and Nepali power grids, development of solar energy projects, cooperation in green hydrogen and capacity building of Nepali energy experts.
Prior to the JSC meeting, Indian Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal called on Nepal’s Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha on July 14.
The discussions and outcomes of the JSC are expected to further strengthen India–Nepal cooperation in the power sector and facilitate greater collaboration in electricity generation, transmission and trade.
