Nepal, India set to push for progress on long-stalled Pancheshwar Project
Summary
Nepal and India are set to revive talks on the long-delayed Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project during Prime Minister Balen Shah’s upcoming visit to India. The agenda is also expected to include cross-border trade, a dry port in Mahendranagar, and tourism promotion in Nepal’s Terai region.
Key Points
- Nepal and India are expected to discuss accelerating the long-stalled Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project during Prime Minister Balen Shah’s visit to India starting November 22.
- Indian media quoted Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj as saying the project will be among five key issues on the bilateral agenda.
- The Pancheshwar project, located on the Mahakali River, is a major joint Nepal-India initiative aimed at hydropower, irrigation and flood control.
- Differences over investment costs and benefit-sharing remain unresolved, although the two sides have reportedly narrowed gaps on project financing.
