India has approved the export of up to 654 megawatts (MW) of electricity to flood-hit Nepal for 18 hours every day until December 31, 2026, to help address the country's power shortages following severe flash floods and landslides. The Ministry of Power announced the decision, citing the need to support Nepal's electricity system as it works to restore damaged hydropower infrastructure.

The electricity will be supplied to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) through two transmission lines: up to 600 MW via the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar 400 kV D/c line and 54 MW through the Tanakpur-Mahendranagar 132 kV S/c line. The Ministry stated that the arrangement is an immediate measure to assist Nepal in meeting its power requirements during the recovery period. The quantum of power to be exported from January 2027 will be reviewed in December 2026.

The decision follows the devastation caused by recent floods, which have damaged critical infrastructure and disrupted essential services across Nepal. According to the latest Search, Rescue and Relief update from Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the death toll from the floods had reached 1,385, with 5,130 people still missing as of September 11. India has been providing humanitarian assistance, including relief supplies and expert personnel, through eight special flights since August 26.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that over 130 tonnes of relief material have been sent to Nepal as part of the assistance. The additional electricity supply is expected to support Nepal’s electricity system as it works to restore damaged hydropower facilities and manage the broader impact of the floods. The Ministry of Power emphasized that India remains committed to supporting Nepal and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

The Ministry of Power stated that the approval is part of India’s broader assistance to Nepal following the devastating floods, including rescue, relief, and forensic operations. The electricity export is intended to further strengthen the close and longstanding energy cooperation between the two countries.

The exact impact of the additional electricity supply on Nepal’s power grid and the timeline for restoring hydropower infrastructure remain unclear. The Ministry of Power did not specify how the 654 MW will be distributed across Nepal’s regions or how the 18-hour daily supply will be managed during peak demand periods.