India, Nepal agree to build hydroelectric power plant
The Hindu
The power plant agreement is among six deals concluded between India and Nepal during the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fifth visit to the Himalayan nation, India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement
India and Nepal will build a 695MW (megawatt) hydropower plant, officials said on May 16, as the Himalayan nation looks to exploit its abundant potential to generate clean energy to ease power shortages.
India, which has an electricity trading deal with Nepal, is investing billions of dollars in infrastructure including hydropower plants, as New Delhi looks to grow its influence in its smaller neighbours, where China is also increasingly active.
The Arun IV project will be jointly built on the Arun River in Nepal's east by India's Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) Limited and Nepal's state-owned Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) owing 51% and 49% of equity respectively, NEA spokesperson Suresh Bahadur Bhattarai said.
"Nepal will get 152MW of free electricity from the plant for its consumption and the rest will be split between the two on the 51% and 49% basis," Mr. Bhattarai told Reuters without giving further details. "Cost of the project is being worked out and whatever it comes will be shared as per the above ratio."
The power plant agreement is among six deals concluded between India and Nepal during the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fifth visit to the Himalayan nation on Monday, India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
During the visit Mr. Modi met his Nepali counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba and took part in a Buddhist ceremony to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha at Lumbini in southwest Nepal.
“Indian companies are negotiating with the government for power plants that would produce a total of 8,250MW and Nepal hopes to export excess energy to India,” officials said. Nepal has the potential to produce 42,000MW of hydropower but now generates about 1,200MW — less than demand of about 1,750MW. The deficit is met by imports from India.
Iranian authorities file a criminal case against marathon organizers for allowing women to compete without hijabs, amid rising enforcement calls.
Indian student Sahaja Reddy Udumala dies from severe injuries in a house fire while pursuing her Master’s in Albany, NY.
U.K. sanctions British Sikh businessman Gurpreet Singh Rehal for alleged ties to pro-Khalistan terrorism, freezing his assets and disqualifying him as a director.
New York woman Stacey Taylor charged with smuggling Indian nationals into the U.S. faces severe legal consequences.
Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of Trump's birthright citizenship order impacting children of undocumented immigrants.
A U.S. deportation flight carrying 172 Venezuelan migrants lands in Caracas amidst heightened military tensions and ongoing drug trafficking claims.
FIFA awards President Trump a peace prize, marking a significant shift from its traditional sports focus during the 2026 World Cup draw.
PM Modi emphasizes the enduring India-Russia friendship, highlighting energy ties and new collaborations during Putin's visit.
German lawmakers approve a plan to boost military recruitment without reinstating conscription amid rising security concerns from Russia.
Watch: Putin visit - Can India walk the balance with the West?
Trump's new strategy prioritizes regional concerns, promoting resistance in Europe and reasserting U.S. dominance in Latin America.
Israel's cabinet approves a $35 billion defense budget for 2026, facing a challenging parliamentary vote amid political polarization.
Sri Lanka issues urgent landslip warnings as Cyclone Ditwah's death toll rises to 607 amid ongoing heavy rainfall and evacuations.