India and Bhutan have agreed to strengthen cooperation on trans-boundary rivers, hydropower development and flood forecasting following high-level talks in Thimphu, Bhutan, last week.
Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, led a multi-agency delegation to Bhutan from 24–27 February 2026. The delegation included officials from the central government, the states of Assam and West Bengal, and WAPCOS Ltd.
At a Secretary-level bilateral meeting on 25 February, the two sides reviewed existing flood management and forecasting arrangements and discussed steps to upgrade Bhutan’s hydro-meteorological observation network on rivers flowing into India. Officials examined ways to improve real-time data sharing for hydro-meteorological and flood forecasting information related to trans-border rivers.
The discussions also addressed increasing climate-related risks in the Himalayan region, including glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and extreme weather events. Both sides agreed on the need for enhanced technical cooperation, capacity building and modern monitoring systems to manage these challenges.
Hydropower development was a key focus of the visit. The Indian delegation reviewed progress at the Punatsangchhu-I hydroelectric project, currently under construction in Bhutan with Government of India support. The Secretary also visited the recently commissioned Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project and held review meetings with officials of PHPA-I and PHPA-II.
In addition, the delegation visited the National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) in Thimphu, the 3.5 MLD Water Treatment Plant at Chamgang, and an NCHM flood monitoring station near Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
Following the bilateral meeting, Shri Rao paid a courtesy call on H.E. Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Natural Resources.
According to the Government of India, the visit was aimed at enhancing cooperation in water resources management, flood forecasting and climate resilience across shared river basins. The Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR, GoI, conveyed India’s continued support for deepening cooperation in water resources management.
