His Majesty The Kingand the Prime Minister of India inaugurated yet another important event at the Tashichhodzong, the inauguration of the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project. Three Memoranda of Understanding were also exchanged. It marks another significant milestone in Bhutan–India relations and in the country’s journey towards harnessing clean and renewable energy.
His Majesty The King granted an audience to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the dukhang.
Then, Their Majesties and Prime Minister Narendra Modi gathered at the Grand Kuenray Hall of Tashichhodzong.
The two countries further cemented the multifaceted relationship in the area of energy and health. Three Memoranda of Understanding were signed today.
The first one is MoU between the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy of India on cooperation in the field of renewable energy.
The second one is MoU between the health ministry and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India on cooperation in the field of health and medicine. Finally, the third MoU was between the PEMA Secretariat and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences of India on building institutional linkages.
His Majesty The King and the Prime Minister jointly inaugurated the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project in the presence of the sacred buddha relic from India.
The Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project is a major Indo-Bhutan collaboration that began construction in 2010 on the Punatsangchhu River in Wangdue Phodrang.
Developed with Indian assistance, the 1,020 MW project aims to generate clean hydropower for export to India, strengthening Bhutan’s energy sector and bilateral economic ties.
The project was commissioned in August last year. The total estimated cost of the project stands at around 94 billion ngultrum.
To further energy cooperation between the two countries, the government of India will provide a loan of 40 billion rupees to fund energy projects in Bhutan.
Today’s events not only celebrate the enduring friendship between Bhutan and India but also mark a new chapter of partnership in clean energy and shared prosperity.
Kelzang Chophyll & Tashi Dekar
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
