India and Bhutan have launched high-level talks on shared rivers, hydropower projects and rising Himalayan climate risks, aiming to strengthen flood forecasting, data sharing and long-term trans-boundary water resilience.
Officials from India and Bhutan have begun high-level discussions on trans-boundary rivers, hydropower cooperation and rising climate-related risks in the Himalayan region as both countries seek to strengthen water management and flood preparedness.
An Indian delegation led by V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, is visiting Bhutan from February 24 to 27. The team includes officials from the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal along with representatives from WAPCOS Ltd.
According to a ministry statement, the visit focuses on enhancing cooperation on shared rivers, improving flood forecasting systems and reviewing progress of joint hydropower projects between the two neighbouring countries.
At a secretary-level bilateral meeting held on February 25, both sides reviewed existing mechanisms supporting cooperation in flood management and early warning systems. Discussions also centred on modernising hydro-meteorological observation networks in Bhutan, strengthening data sharing on river flows and weather conditions and expanding technical exchanges between the two countries.
Officials also addressed emerging challenges linked to climate change including extreme weather events, glacial lake outburst floods and shifting river patterns across the Himalayan region.
A major part of the visit included reviewing progress of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project being implemented in Bhutan in partnership with India as well as the recently commissioned Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project. The Indian delegation visited project sites and held meetings with officials overseeing construction and operations.
Shared rivers remain central to cooperation between the two countries. Several major transboundary rivers including the Manas, known in Bhutan as Drangme Chhu, the Sankosh or Puna Tshang Chhu, the Torsa or Amo Chhu and the Raidak or Wang Chhu support livelihoods, agriculture and regional development but also pose increasing environmental risks.
Experts note that Himalayan glaciers are retreating rapidly while the region faces growing threats from floods, landslides and water stress. Stronger cross-border coordination in managing river basins is seen as crucial for long-term resilience.
However, river cooperation between the two countries also faces challenges. Climate change has altered river behaviour with longer dry spells followed by sudden and destructive flash floods that carry large amounts of silt, sand and boulders downstream.
Communities in Assam and North Bengal particularly along the Sankosh and Manas rivers have reported increasing flooding and erosion. Some concerns have been linked to hydropower development upstream in Bhutan.
Hydropower remains a key pillar of Bhutan’s economy generating about a quarter of the country’s revenue. Yet delays and rising costs in projects such as Punatsangchhu-I have increased financial pressure and added to Bhutan’s national debt prompting calls for more integrated river basin management across the region.
Officials said the latest visit reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to sustainable and mutually beneficial management of shared water resources, improved flood forecasting and stronger climate resilience in transboundary river systems.
