India extended a USD 455 mn line of credit to Bhutan, as well as inaugurated the 1k MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to the Himalayan nation, Reuters reports. Funded by India, the project will boost Bhutan’s hydropower capacity by nearly 40%, taking total India-backed generation in the country close to 3 GW. Bhutan’s surplus electricity — beyond domestic demand of about 1 GW — will be exported to India.

Indian private majors — including Tata Power, Adani Group, and Reliance Power — have signed agreements with Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation for upcoming hydropower developments.

INDIA + EGYPT-

India and Egypt are working to collaborate in healthcare and pharma, focusing on technology transfer, local drug production, and high-value health investments, according to a press release. The talks between Egyptian Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar and his Indian counterpart Jagat Prakash Nadda took place ahead of the Third Global Conference on Population, Health, and Human Development in Egypt this week.

Potential JV play: The two sides discussed joint ventures between Indian and Egyptian firms on cancer drugs, vaccines, and biologics to boost Egypt's local manufacturing, develop pharma talent, and strengthen research infrastructure via Indian partnerships. The two nations also agreed to simplify regulatory processes for drug registration, imports, and exports, calling for closer public-private sector coordination.

INDIA + CANADA-

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Niagara, indicating a gradual thaw following prolonged diplomatic tensions under the previous government led by Justin Trudeau, Business Standard reports. Jaishankar asserted that India looked forward to “further rebuilding” ties under the New Roadmap 2025, unveiled during Anand’s India visit just last month.

India is participating in the G7 as a special invitee under Canada’s presidency, Hindu Businessline reports. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar joined the outreach session on energy security and critical minerals, stressing the need to reduce global supply volatility through policy coordination and resilient sourcing. He held meetings with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, the EU, Germany, France, Brazil, and the UK.

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