Nepal Seeks Early Power Import Approvals from India After Devastating Floods
In the wake of a catastrophic flash flood that severely damaged Nepal's power infrastructure, Kathmandu has requested India to expedite approvals for electricity transmission, according to senior officials in the Union Power Ministry. The request aims to begin imports from September this year, earlier than the usual October start, to address generation deficits caused by the disaster.
“Nepal has asked that India advance import approvals, starting from September this year, in view of the generation deficits caused by this disaster. The concerned authorities are processing the requests,” an official said. Officials indicated that India is willing to provide any additional power that Nepal may require.
Nepal typically imports electricity from India during the winter months, beginning around October, when hydropower generation in the Himalayan nation drops due to freezing temperatures. Conversely, Nepal exports surplus hydropower to India during the summer. Official data shows that India imported 3,299 million units (MUs) from Nepal in fiscal year 2025-26, while exporting 1,451 MUs to Nepal.
Transmission of electricity across India's borders requires mandatory clearances from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). The approval process is now being fast-tracked in response to Nepal's urgent request.
According to an internal assessment, Nepal's electricity generation capacity has declined by approximately 550 megawatts (MW) due to flood-related infrastructural damage. This has led to a reduction in cross-border power flow to India by roughly 400 MW from earlier peaks of 950 MW to 1,000 MW. However, officials assured that India does not foresee any requirement for alternative arrangements to compensate for the shortfall.
“We do not foresee any requirement for exceptional emergency procurement or alternative arrangement to balance domestic demand,” an official said, adding, “India’s vast national grid capacity and robust generation reserve margins are capable of absorbing a temporary shortfall of 400 MW seamlessly without disrupting grid stability or retail supply.”
The flash flood in the Nepal-Tibet border regions has killed about 675 people, authorities in Nepal said on Saturday. The country's meteorology department has warned of fresh rainfall and thunderstorms in the affected areas, raising concerns about further damage and hampering recovery efforts.
This bilateral cooperation on power trade highlights the interdependence between the two nations, especially during natural calamities. India's willingness to accelerate approvals underscores its commitment to supporting Nepal in times of crisis, while ensuring the stability of its own grid. The situation remains fluid as both countries work to restore normalcy in the region.
