India opening power transmission infra sector to Chinese-linked firms gives Nepal a chance to make its case

New Delhi has granted a two-year exemption to four companies with Chinese ownership or business links, allowing them to compete for Indian government contracts related to critical electricity transmission infrastructure.

India’s decision to allow four Chinese-linked companies to participate in bidding for strategic electricity transmission projects has prompted fresh calls in Nepal for diplomatic efforts to remove long-standing barriers affecting hydropower projects with Chinese involvement and expand cross-border electricity trade.