Kathmandu, July 17 -- 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.

In June, the Department of Expenditure under the federal Ministry of Finance in India granted a two-year exemption to four companies with Chinese ownership or business links, allowing them to compete for government contracts related to critical electricity transmission infrastructure. The companies are TBEA Energy India, Nanjing Electric India, New Northeast Electric India and Taikai Electric (India).

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