India has expressed serious concerns over China's plans to build a massive hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet, which flows into India as the Brahmaputra River. The dam project, which China approved in December, is set to be the largest of its kind, with a projected capacity to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
India’s apprehensions stem from the fact that the Yarlung Zangbo River is a transboundary river, and any large-scale intervention like a dam could affect the downstream flow of water into India and Bangladesh. The Brahmaputra River, which originates in Tibet, plays a crucial role in the water supply for northeastern India, especially in states like Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
India has communicated these concerns through diplomatic channels, emphasizing that the interests of downstream countries, including India and Bangladesh, must be safeguarded. The Ministry of External Affairs has stated that while China has tried to reassure India that the dam will not significantly affect the environment or water flow downstream, India remains skeptical, given the potential for severe ecological and economic consequences.
A significant worry for India is that large-scale dam construction upstream in Tibet could reduce water flow into the Brahmaputra River, affecting agriculture, water supply, and livelihoods in the northeastern regions of India. Moreover, any disruption in the flow of the Brahmaputra River could lead to geopolitical tensions, as India and China have had contentious relations over border issues, particularly in the areas bordering Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh.
India has also highlighted the need for transparent data-sharing mechanisms and dialogue between the two countries to ensure that water-related concerns are addressed through cooperative measures. However, China’s history of unilateral decision-making in Tibet has left India and Bangladesh wary.
For now, China continues to defend its project, stating that it adheres to international standards and will prioritize sustainable development. Still, the broader implications of the dam for regional water security remain a pressing issue, as India pushes for a more inclusive and cooperative approach to managing transboundary water resources.