Russia’s Ambassador to Nepal, Aleksei Novikov, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation today.

During the meeting at the Minister’s office in Singha Durbar, discussions centered on mutual interests and avenues for enhanced cooperation.

Minister Deepak Khadka acknowledged Russia’s longstanding support in human resource development in Nepal and recalled the construction of the Panauti Hydropower Project, made possible with financial assistance from the former Soviet government.

Highlighting Nepal’s ambitious goal of generating 28,500 megawatts of power by 2035, the Minister expressed hope for Russian cooperation in achieving this target. He urged Russian companies, through the ambassador, to invest in Nepal’s transmission infrastructure, energy storage, smart grid, and green energy sectors.

In response, Ambassador Novikov stated that Russian business communities are keen on expanding investments in Nepal’s energy and hydropower sectors.

He also extended invitations to the Minister to attend the Nevsky International Ecological Congress in Russia next month, the St. Petersburg International Forum in June, and Russian Energy Week in October.