Current Context : Nepal, India and Bangladesh signed a tripartite agreement to facilitate cross-border electricity trade.

• Under this arrangement, Nepal will export hydroelectricity to Bangladesh via Indian transmission lines.
• It underscores a broader movement towards cross-border energy cooperation in South Asia. Initiatives for Cross-Border South Asian Energy Co-operation Cross-Border Electricity Trade:

KEY POINTS ON ENERGY COOPERATION IN SOUTH ASIA

India-Bangladesh Electricity Corridor:

• A new electricity corridor is planned from Katihar (Bihar) to Bornagar (Assam)to boost power trade between the two countries.

India-Nepal Hydropower Projects:

• Major projects include Arun III and Upper Karnali Hydropower Projects to support energy exchange and enhance Nepal’s power export capacity.

India-Bhutan Hydropower Projects:

• Bhutan has several active projects like Kurichu, Tala, Chukha, and Mangdechhu, serving as a key partner in energy cooperation.

Cross-Border Energy Pipelines:

• TAPI Pipeline: For transporting natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan and Pakistan to India.
• India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline: Strengthens energy trade between India and Bangladesh.
• Motihari-Amlekhganj Pipeline: Supplies fuel from India to Nepal.

Renewable Energy Cooperation:

• Initiatives like International Solar Alliance, Green Grids Initiative, and One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)aim to promote renewable energy integration in the region.