India and Nepal reviewed progress in bilateral power sector cooperation during the 13th meetings of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) and the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Power Sector Cooperation held in Pokhara.

The 13th JSC meeting was held on Tuesday and 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. It was preceded by the 13th JWG meeting on July 14, co-chaired by Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary (Transmission), Ministry of Power, Government of India, and Sandip Kumar Dev, Joint Secretary at Nepal's Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.

According to a press release, the meetings comprehensively reviewed bilateral cooperation in the power sector, including the development of hydropower projects, power trade and transmission infrastructure.

Both sides appreciated the progress made in developing new transmission lines, including the 400 kV Gorakhpur–New Butwal transmission line. They also discussed ways to expedite and facilitate the implementation of ongoing and planned power generation and transmission projects.

The two sides further discussed the coordinated operation of the Indian and Nepali power grids, development of solar projects, cooperation in green hydrogen, and capacity building for Nepali experts.

Ahead of 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.

According to the press release, the discussions are expected to contribute to stronger power sector cooperation between India and Nepal.