India approves 654 MW power exports to flood-hit Nepal

India has approved the expedited export of up to 654 megawatts of electricity to Nepal to help address a severe power shortfall caused by devastating floods that damaged critical hydropower infrastructure. The approval, granted by India's Ministry of Power, allows for the transmission of power for 18 hours per day from September 13 through December 31, 2026. The decision comes after Nepal requested early imports due to a domestic generation crisis triggered by flash floods on August 26. The floods, which originated from a glacial mountain collapse on the China-Nepal border, damaged at least 12 hydropower projects and caused a power shortfall estimated between 350 and 550 megawatts. The disaster also resulted in significant human casualties, with reports indicating more than 1,400 people killed in Nepal and Tibet and thousands still missing. According to the Indian Ministry of Power, the approval will help Nepal meet its urgent power requirements and strengthen bilateral energy cooperation. The ministry stated that the quantum of power to be exported from January 2027 will be reviewed in December 2026. The export window, running from midnight to 6 p.m.