On Friday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs revealed that it has formally conveyed its concerns to the Chinese government regarding the construction of a colossal hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet. The river, known as the Brahmaputra in India and Bangladesh, is a vital lifeline for millions across South Asia, flowing through India’s northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam before entering Bangladesh.
The dam, which has been sanctioned last month, is designed to be an engineering marvel, with plans to harness an annual output of around 300 billion kilowatt-hours, making it the largest of its kind globally. However, despite assurances from Chinese authorities that this and other similar projects in Tibet would have negligible impacts on downstream ecosystems and water availability, both India and Bangladesh have expressed significant reservations.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underscored these concerns during a routine media briefing, stating, “The Chinese side has been urged to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed by activities in upstream areas.” He reiterated India’s commitment to closely observe the developments and to safeguard its national interests as needed.
The Yarlung Zangbo-Brahmaputra river system plays a crucial role in the region’s water security, agriculture, and overall ecological balance. Any changes in its flow or water quality could have dire consequences for biodiversity, agriculture, and the livelihoods of millions living along its course. Concerns include potential flooding risks due to sudden water releases, changes in sediment flow affecting river deltas, and the overall impact on water availability during different seasons.
Moreover, India’s protests are not solely about the environmental and hydrological implications. Jaiswal also addressed recent geopolitical tensions, mentioning that New Delhi had lodged a “solemn protest” against Beijing’s administrative restructuring in Tibet, which includes forming two new counties. One of these counties extends into territory that India claims as part of Arunachal Pradesh, a state at the heart of the Sino-Indian border dispute. Jaiswal emphasized, “Creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on India’s longstanding and consistent position regarding our sovereignty over the area nor lend legitimacy to China’s illegal and forcible occupation of the same.”
The backdrop to these developments includes a history of strain in Sino-Indian relations, particularly intensified after a violent clash in 2020 along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Galwan Valley, which resulted in casualties on both sides. However, recent steps towards de-escalation have provided some optimism. In October, India and China agreed to pull back troops from the last two stand-off points in the western Himalayas, signaling a move towards stabilizing their border situation. This was followed by the first formal high-level talks in five years last month, where both nations agreed to small, confidence-building measures to mend their relationship.
The dam project and the administrative changes in Tibet are seen within this broader context of managing a delicate balance between cooperation and competition. For India, the dam not only raises environmental and hydrological concerns but also touches on strategic issues related to national security and sovereignty. The implications of such projects extend beyond immediate neighbors to the entire South Asian region, affecting water diplomacy, energy security, and international relations.
As the situation evolves, India has pledged to keep a vigilant eye on developments, engage in diplomatic channels for dispute resolution, and ensure that the rights and interests of its citizens and those of downstream communities are protected. Meanwhile, the international community watches closely, understanding that the outcomes of these discussions could set precedents for transboundary water management and international cooperation on shared resources.