Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka has declared that his recent visit to India was fruitful in advancing Nepal’s energy sector. Minister Khadka, who returned home this evening after attending the International Solar Alliance Conference in New Delhi, shared at a press conference held at Tribhuvan International Airport that discussions with India on accelerating the progress of major projects like Pancheshwar and Arun were positive.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Khadka emphasized the agreement reached between Nepal and India to collaborate and expedite these projects. He highlighted India’s sincere interest and concern in the development of Nepal’s energy sectors. The discussions also involved the larger business community and organizations in India on achieving Nepal’s goal of producing 28,500 megawatts of electricity by 2035.
Minister Khadka noted that during the conference, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) pledged support for the developme
nt of Nepal’s solar energy. His visit also included separate meetings with India’s Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, President of the ISA and India’s New and Renewable Energy Minister Prahlad Venkatesh Joshi, and Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
Minister Khadka mentioned that India’s energy minister expressed a commitment to visiting Nepal. He also pointed out the need for more investment in the hydropower sector, emphasizing the importance of creating a favorable working environment. If such conditions are met, multiple Indian companies have shown eagerness to participate in Nepal’s hydropower development.