Categories: India

Bhutan’s electricity exports to India remain undented despite Covid pandemic

<p>
Notwithstanding the Covid 19 pandemic blues, Bhutan’s exports of electricity including hydropower increased significantly in 2020.</p>
<p>
A report by South Asia Subregional Economic Co-operation (SASEC), Bhutan’s economic development is linked with the growth of its hydropower sector. The Himalayan nation exports about 70 per cent of energy generated within the country to India. </p>
<p>
According to the Bhutan based news organisation Keunsel, country-wise, exports to India — the largest trading partner — accounted for 33 per cent. Electricity, cement, cardamom and minerals are some of Bhutan’s major exports to India. Meanwhile, about 76 per cent of total imported goods including fuel, food items and pharmaceutical items have been sourced from India.</p>
<p>
Bangladesh and Nepal are the two other top export destinations of Bhutan.</p>
<p>
Bilateral trade between India and Bhutan is conducted in Indian Rupees which is fully convertible to Ngultrum at par.</p>
<p>
According to the Indian Embassy in Bhutan, though the Himalayan country has an adverse balance of trade with New Delhi, the balance of payment position with India ended last year with a surplus.</p>
<p>
“Some years back, a Rupee shortage had led to severe compression of imports. However, the medium term outlook is good as hydel capacity is expected to increase from 1600 MW currently to nearly 5000 MW within the next five years. More than 90 per cent of the power generated will be exported to India,” an official statement said.</p>

IN Bureau

Recent Posts

PM Narendra Modi flags off Pravasi Bharatiya Express in Bhubaneswar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday flagged off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya…

1 hour ago

“21st century India progressing at an incredible speed”: PM Modi at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted India's rapid progress in the 21st century, emphasising…

2 hours ago

China in 2025: More trouble lies ahead

China continued to encounter turbulence throughout 2024. However, all the difficulties that China is facing…

3 hours ago

Indian Micro Finance sector grows by over 2,100% in 12 yrs

The business of Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) industry has risen from Rs 17,264 crores in…

4 hours ago

India, Oman continue to work together in tourism sector: Oman’s Tourism Minister

By Shafali Nigam Oman's Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, expressed…

4 hours ago

“India’s global trust is the result of hard work of Indians worldwide”: Om Birla lauds Indian diaspora in UK

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday lauded the Indian diaspora in the UK for…

4 hours ago