Ministry of Power press release · 9 April 2026 · pibtracker filter

Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal Calls on His Majesty The King of Bhutan

PRID2250527 MinistryMinistry of Power Released Reading9 min

Punatsangchhu Hydropower Projects and Strategic India–Bhutan Ties Discussed Posted On: 09 APR 2026 5:54PM by PIB Delhi The Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, had a royal audience with His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The Union Minister conveyed warm greetings on behalf of the Government and people of India. He expressed deep appreciation for the continued guidance and leadership of His Majesty in further strengthening the unique and time-tested friendship and partnership between India and Bhutan. During the audience, Shri Manohar Lal congratulated Bhutan on the National Service Programme, Gyalsung, that fosters community spirit among the youth and places skills and nation-building at its core. He also appreciated His Majesty’s vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City for sustainable and mindful development. The Union Minister informed His Majesty that he will witness the commencement of dam works for the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project, that will pave the way for the completion of this project. The Minister noted that the development reflects a strong momentum in India&ndash;Bhutan energy cooperation. Shri Manohar Lal apprised His Majesty regarding the signing, earlier today, of Protocol to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan for the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project Export Tariff. This 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project was jointly inaugurated by Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India and His Majesty on 11 November 2025 and commenced export of surplus power to India from 19 September 2025 at a mutually agreed starting tariff. The Union Minister also apprised His Majesty that he will attend the first concrete pour ceremony at the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project dam on 10 April 2026 along with his Bhutanese counterpart. This marks a momentous occasion for the people of both nations to witness the commencement of dam works at the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project. Shri Manohar Lal also apprised His Majesty of his constructive discussions with Bhutanese leadership, including the Prime Minister and the Minister of Energy & Natural Resources, which focused on further expanding cooperation in the energy sector. Emphasizing that energy cooperation continues to be a key pillar of India&ndash;Bhutan relations, the Union Minister underlined its role as a tangible execution of the mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries. ***** NR/AP (Release ID: 2250527) Visitor Counter : 604 Read this release in: Urdu , हिन्दी Ministry of Power Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal Calls on His Majesty The King of Bhutan Punatsangchhu Hydropower Projects and Strategic India–Bhutan Ties Discussed Posted On: 09 APR 2026 5:54PM by PIB Delhi The Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, had a royal audience with His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The Union Minister conveyed warm greetings on behalf of the Government and people of India. He expressed deep appreciation for the continued guidance and leadership of His Majesty in further strengthening the unique and time-tested friendship and partnership between India and Bhutan. During the audience, Shri Manohar Lal congratulated Bhutan on the National Service Programme, Gyalsung, that fosters community spirit among the youth and places skills and nation-building at its core. He also appreciated His Majesty’s vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City for sustainable and mindful development. The Union Minister informed His Majesty that he will witness the commencement of dam works for the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project, that will pave the way for the completion of this project. The Minister noted that the development reflects a strong momentum in India&ndash;Bhutan energy cooperation. Shri Manohar Lal apprised His Majesty regarding the signing, earlier today, of Protocol to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan for the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project Export Tariff. This 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project was jointly inaugurated by Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India and His Majesty on 11 November 2025 and commenced export of surplus power to India from 19 September 2025 at a mutually agreed starting tariff. The Union Minister also apprised His Majesty that he will attend the first concrete pour ceremony at the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project dam on 10 April 2026 along with his Bhutanese counterpart. This marks a momentous occasion for the people of both nations to witness the commencement of dam works at the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project. Shri Manohar Lal also apprised His Majesty of his constructive discussions with Bhutanese leadership, including the Prime Minister and the Minister of Energy & Natural Resources, which focused on further expanding cooperation in the energy sector. Emphasizing that energy cooperation continues to be a key pillar of India&ndash;Bhutan relations, the Union Minister underlined its role as a tangible execution of the mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries. ***** NR/AP (Release ID: 2250527) Punatsangchhu Hydropower Projects and Strategic India–Bhutan Ties Discussed" /> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Union Minister of Power and Housing &amp; Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, had a royal audience with His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px"><img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image001KB75.jpg" style="height:421px; width:452px" /></span></span></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Union Minister conveyed warm greetings on behalf of the Government and people of India. He expressed deep appreciation for the continued guidance and leadership of His Majesty in further strengthening the unique and time-tested friendship and partnership between India and Bhutan.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">During the audience, Shri Manohar Lal congratulated Bhutan on the National Service Programme, Gyalsung, that fosters community spirit among the youth and places skills and nation-building at its core. He also appreciated His Majesty’s vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City for sustainable and mindful development. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Union Minister informed His Majesty that he will witness the commencement of dam works for the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project, that will pave the way for the completion of this project. The Minister noted that the development reflects a strong momentum in India&ndash;Bhutan energy cooperation. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Shri Manohar Lal apprised His Majesty regarding the signing, earlier today, of Protocol to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan for the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project Export Tariff. This 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project was jointly inaugurated by Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India and His Majesty on 11 November 2025 and commenced export of surplus power to India from 19 September 2025 at a mutually agreed starting tariff.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px"><img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image002ES3F.jpg" style="height:320px; width:480px" /></span></span></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Union Minister also apprised His Majesty that he will attend the first concrete pour ceremony at the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project dam on 10 April 2026 along with his Bhutanese counterpart. This marks a momentous occasion for the people of both nations to witness the commencement of dam works at the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Shri Manohar Lal also apprised His Majesty of his constructive discussions with Bhutanese leadership, including the Prime Minister and the Minister of Energy &amp; Natural Resources, which focused on further expanding cooperation in the energy sector.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Emphasizing that energy cooperation continues to be a key pillar of India&ndash;Bhutan relations, the Union Minister underlined its role as a tangible execution of the mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">*****</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>NR/AP</strong></span></span></p> " /> var mPlayer = document.getElementById("background_music"); var mPlayAction = document.getElementById("playbutton"); var isPlaying = false; function playAudio() { mPlayer.play(); isPlaying = true; document.getElementById('stopA').style.display = "block"; document.getElementById('playA').style.display = "none"; } function pauseAudio() { mPlayer.pause(); isPlaying = false; document.getElementById('playA').style.display = "block"; document.getElementById('stopA').style.display = "none"; } //function HandleAudio() { // if (isPlaying == true) { // //Playing already Pause it // pauseAudio(); // } else { // //Play the music // playAudio(); // } //} var synth = window.speechSynthesis; function CleanHtml(html) { html = html.replace(/ /gi, ''); return html; } function stripHtml(html) { let tmp = document.createElement("DIV"); tmp.innerHTML = CleanHtml(html); return tmp.textContent || tmp.innerText || ""; } $(document).ready(function () { //for responsive tables $("table").each(function () { if (!$(this).closest(".table-responsive").length) { $(this).wrap(" "); } }); var width = $(window).width(); if (width $(document).ready(function () { var width = $(window).width(); if (width @media print { .sticky-social, .sticky-social_mb, .pull-right, #printPDF { display: none !important; } } .f_vl { padding-right: 30px; font-size: 17px; cursor: pointer; } .log_oo { // width: 20%; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; } .log_oo img { width: 150px; /*width: 100%; height: auto;*/ } .sticky-social_mb { position: fixed; bottom: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 100%; } .social_mb { list-style: none; display: flex; width: 100%; margin-bottom: -8px; } .social_mb a { padding: 8px 0px; font-size: 30px; transition: all 0.8s ease-in-out; width: 20% !important; text-align: center; } .section1 { position: relative; padding: 10px 0px; width: 100%; } .sticky-social { position: fixed; top: 20px; left: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; } .social { list-style: none; } .social a li { padding: 8px 12px; font-size: 25px; transition: all 0.8s ease-in-out; } .social a li:hover { margin-right: -30px; box-shadow: 2px 5px 10px grey; } .social a li:hover .fa { margin-left: 20px; } .fb_b { /* background-color: rgb(59, 89, 152);*/ background-color: rgba(65,103,178,255); } .twitter_r { /* background-color: rgb(29, 161, 242);*/ background-color: #000000; } .whatsapp_r { /* background-color: rgb(77, 194, 71);*/ background-color: rgba(13,191,67,255); } .fa-envelope_r { /* background-color: rgb(219, 68, 55);*/ background-color: #e2123d; } .fa-linkedin_r { background-color: rgb(0, 119, 181); } @media only screen and (max-device-width: 767px) { p span img { max-width: 90% !important; height: auto !important; } p img { max-width: 90% !important; height: auto !important; } h2 { font-size: 20px !important; font-weight: 600 !important; } h3 { font-size: 18px !important; font-weight: 600 !important; } } /* === Film Roll Badge Styling(IFFI2025 countdown) === */ .film-roll-badge { position: absolute; top:82%; right: 20px; width: 230px; height: 70px; background: repeating-linear-gradient( to right, #9a2375 0px, #9a2375 18px, #6e2b8b 18px, #6e2b8b 36px ); border-top: 8px solid #9a2375; border-bottom: 8px solid #9a2375; border-radius: 8px; overflow: hidden; box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4); animation: moveFilm 8s linear infinite; z-index: 10; } /* film sprocket holes */ .film-roll-badge::before, .film-roll-badge::after { content: ""; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 10px; background: repeating-linear-gradient( to right, #9a2375 0px, #9a2375 10px, #fff 10px, #fff 20px ); left: 0; z-index: 2; } .film-roll-badge::before { top: -4px; } .film-roll-badge::after { bottom: -4px; } .film-roll-inner { position: relative; height: 100%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; animation: flicker 2s infinite ease-in-out; } .countdown-text { font-size: 1.3rem; font-weight: 700; color: #fff; text-shadow: 0 0 6px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4), 0 0 10px #000; white-space: nowrap; } /* === Animations === */ @keyframes moveFilm { 0% { background-position: 0 0; } 100% { background-position: 120px 0; } } @keyframes flicker { 0%, 100% { opacity: 1; } 50% { opacity: 0.9; } 25% { opacity: 0.95; } 75% { opacity: 0.85; } } /* === Responsive Adjustments === */ @media (max-width: 1500px) { .film-roll-badge { top: 68%; right: 18px; /* width: 220px; */ height: 65px; font-size: 0.85rem; } .press-section { margin-top: 35px; } } @media (max-width: 992px) { .film-roll-badge { top: 52%; right: 10px; width: 200px; height: 60px; } } @media (max-width: 768px) { .film-roll-badge { top: 56%; right: 10px; width: 124px; height: 55px; } .countdown-text { font-size: 0.9rem; } } @media (max-width: 576px) { .film-roll-badge { top: 59%; right: 5px; /* width: 160px; */ height: 50px; } .countdown-text { font-size: 0.85rem; } } const festivalStart = new Date("2025-11-20T00:00:00").getTime(); const festivalEnd = new Date("2025-11-28T23:59:59").getTime(); const countdownElement = document.getElementById("countdown"); const interval = setInterval(() => { const now = new Date().getTime(); // BEFORE FESTIVAL — show days + hours left if (now = festivalStart && now el.style.width = "350px"); clearInterval(interval); } }, 1000); //