THIMPHU. India and Bhutan recently enhanced their water resource ties through a high-level diplomatic visit. V L Kantha Rao led the Indian delegation to the Kingdom of Bhutan from 24 to 27 February 2026. This visit focused heavily on trans-boundary river cooperation to manage shared resources effectively. Rao serves as the Secretary for the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR). The delegation included officers from the State Governments of Assam and West Bengal. Additionally, representatives from WAPCOS Ltd. participated in the high-level talks.
Visit to NCHM Flood Monitoring Station Near Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
Review of Puna-2 & Puna-1 at Kamechu Conference Hall
Visit to Punatsangchhu-1 HEP
Hydrology and Trans-Boundary River Cooperation
The Secretary-level bilateral meeting took place on 25 February 2026. Both sides reviewed existing flood management and forecasting mechanisms during the session. Strengthening trans-boundary river cooperation remains a top priority for both neighbouring nations. The discussions centered on modernising the hydro-meteorological observation network in Bhutan. Furthermore, officials explored better data-sharing methods for trans-border rivers. These improvements will help address extreme weather events and climate change.
The agenda also covered emerging challenges like Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Rao emphasised that technical exchanges build greater resilience in shared basins. Effective trans-boundary river cooperation helps both countries mitigate the risks of sudden flooding. Following the meeting, the Secretary paid a courtesy call on H.E. Lyonpo Gem Tshering. Gem Tshering serves as the Minister for Energy and Natural Resources in Bhutan. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable water management.
Visit to NCHM, Thimphu
Hydropower Progress and Site Visits
Rao also visited major energy sites during his four-day trip. He reviewed the progress of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project currently under construction. He also inspected the recently commissioned Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project on 26 February 2026. Successful energy projects rely on strong trans-boundary river cooperation between India and Bhutan. The Secretary held detailed meetings with officials from the Punatsangchhu Hydroelectric Project Authority (PHPA-I and PHPA-II). He praised the partnership for delivering mutual benefits to both populations.
The visit included several site inspections beyond power plants. Rao toured the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) in Thimphu. He also visited the 3.5 Million Liters per Day (MLD) Water Treatment Plant at Chamgang. Modernising infrastructure is a key element of trans-boundary river cooperation in the region. He also inspected the flood monitoring station near Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. These facilities play a vital role in protecting downstream communities in Assam and West Bengal.
Group photo at NCHM, Thimphu
Visit to 3.5 MLD Water Treatment Plant
Future Outlook for Shared Basins
The Government of India (GoI) has conveyed its continued support for deeper water ties. The Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) seeks to enhance climate resilience through shared basin management. This visit strengthens trans-boundary river cooperation for future generations. Both nations aim for a sustainable and mutually beneficial management of water resources. Consequently, the visit achieved its goal of deepening bilateral trust. Rao concluded that India will remain a steady partner for Bhutan.
India-Bhutan Water Resource Mission
| Parameter | Detail / Attribution |
|---|---|
| Delegation Lead | V L Kantha Rao, Secretary (DoWR, RD & GR). |
| Duration | 24–27 February 2026. |
| Core Theme | Trans-boundary river cooperation and flood forecasting. |
| Hydropower Projects | Punatsangchhu-I (Under Construction) and Punatsangchhu-II. |
| Key Agencies | NCHM Bhutan, PHPA-I, PHPA-II, and WAPCOS Ltd. |
| Environmental Focus | Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and climate resilience. |
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