India steps up power supply to Nepal after severe flooding

India has stepped up its power supply to Nepal following severe flooding that disrupted the country’s electricity infrastructure.

The extended supply, approved to run through December 31, will provide Nepal with up to 18 hours of electricity a day.

The two nations have long maintained a cross-border electricity trade framework, with supply flowing based on seasonal demand and generation capacity.

Nepal’s hydropower-dependent grid is particularly exposed during severe monsoon flooding, when river-based facilities can be forced offline.

The 18-hour daily figure represents a significant increase over Nepal’s typical cross-border power imports.

India’s power ministry coordinates cross-border electricity supply arrangements with neighbouring countries through mechanisms that account for both grid capacity and diplomatic considerations.

The 18-hour daily supply figure represents a significant increase over Nepal’s typical cross-border import levels during non-emergency periods.

Officials have not specified the exact quantum of additional power being supplied, though the arrangement is described as a direct response to the flooding-related shortfall.

India has periodically extended similar emergency power support to neighbouring countries during natural disasters affecting their domestic electricity infrastructure.

The move comes amid broader efforts by India to strengthen its regional standing through infrastructure and energy cooperation with South Asian neighbours.

The extended power supply is intended to help Nepal manage electricity demand after recent severe flooding disrupted parts of its domestic generation and distribution infrastructure.

India and Nepal have an existing framework for cross-border electricity trade, with power flowing both ways depending on seasonal demand and generation capacity in each country.

The enhanced supply arrangement is set to remain in effect through December 31, covering peak periods of electricity demand in Nepal.

Cross-border power supply agreements between India and Nepal have expanded significantly in recent years as part of broader regional energy cooperation.

Nepal’s hydropower-dependent grid can be particularly vulnerable to disruption during severe monsoon flooding, when river-based generation facilities may be damaged or forced offline.

High voltage power transmission line, India, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0