Nepal’s Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha met visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the Ministry of Energy in Kathmandu on Wednesday, discussing ways to expand electricity trade, complete ongoing hydropower projects and strengthen disaster response. Separately, Shrestha called for greater private sector investment in renewable energy, saying the sector should support employment and increased production rather than remain focused on subsidies and individual projects.
Nepal-India talks focus on electricity and hydropower
The meeting between Shrestha and Misri covered three areas of energy cooperation: expanding electricity trade, completing hydropower projects already under way and strengthening disaster response. The discussion took place during Misri’s visit to Nepal, with the two officials meeting at the Energy Ministry in Kathmandu.
The subjects raised span both the development of power infrastructure and the exchange of electricity. Shrestha and Misri discussed expanding trade between the two countries, alongside the completion of ongoing hydropower projects. They also addressed disaster response, placing it among the areas considered in their meeting.
No specific project timelines, trade targets or new agreements were detailed in the available account of the discussion. The reported focus was on the broad priorities of electricity trade, hydropower completion and response to disasters.
Minister calls for private investment in renewable energy
In a separate appearance, Shrestha urged greater private sector investment in renewable energy. Speaking at a program marking the 30th anniversary of an energy-related body, he argued that the sector should be developed as a source of employment and increased production.
Shrestha said renewable energy should not be limited to subsidies and individual projects. He emphasized connecting its development with private investment and local entrepreneurship, presenting the sector as an opportunity for broader economic activity rather than a collection of stand-alone initiatives.
The minister also stressed the role of innovative technology and local entrepreneurship in renewable energy development. His remarks linked investment with the potential to expand production and employment, while pointing to local enterprise as part of the sector’s development.
Broader priorities for energy development
Taken together, the discussions and remarks highlight two distinct priorities raised by the minister: cooperation with India on electricity trade and hydropower projects, and stronger private participation in renewable energy at home. The meeting with Misri addressed cross-border energy cooperation and disaster response, while Shrestha’s comments at the anniversary program focused on investment, production and employment.
The available information does not specify the measures that may follow either the meeting or the minister’s call for investment. It does, however, set out the issues he raised: expanding electricity trade, completing ongoing hydropower projects, strengthening disaster response and building a renewable energy sector connected to private investment and local entrepreneurship.
