NEW DELHI: India has approved the export of up to 654 MW of electricity to Nepal for 18 hours a day until December 31, 2026, following a devastating flood that severely damaged the neighbouring country’s hydropower infrastructure.

The decision was taken after Nepal sought additional electricity imports from India to meet its domestic power requirements amid extensive damage to its hydropower facilities.

The disaster, triggered by a glacier collapse, killed nearly 1,400 people in Nepal and Tibet and damaged more than a dozen hydropower plants. Thousands of people, including power-sector workers, have also been reported missing.

Hydropower accounts for almost all of Nepal’s electricity generation and is also an important source of revenue through power exports. The destruction of generating infrastructure has therefore placed significant pressure on the country’s energy system.

India’s approval will allow Nepal to access additional power during non-solar and peak-demand hours, helping stabilise its electricity supply while damaged hydropower facilities are restored.

The move also strengthens the long-standing energy cooperation between India and Nepal, with cross-border electricity trade emerging as an important component of bilateral ties.

Nepal has separately sought international assistance for reconstruction following the disaster, which authorities have described as one of the country’s most severe recent catastrophes.