Strong objection expressed on Brahmaputra Dam and new county

India has reacted strongly after China recently announced the construction of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Zangbo) in Tibet near the Indian border and the creation of two new counties in Aksai Chin. New Delhi has expressed its diplomatic protest to China on these developments, calling it worrying for India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Dam on Brahmaputra River: India’s objections

China’s project and India’s concerns

China has approved the hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo River, which is being said to be the world’s largest project.

• Location of the project: The dam will be built in the vast valley of the Himalayas, where the Brahmaputra river flows from Tibet through Arunachal Pradesh into Assam and then Bangladesh.
• Investment: The project will cost approximately US$137 billion.
• Impact: Experts believe that this project will give China the right to control the water flow of the river. This could have a deep impact on downstream countries like India and Bangladesh.

India’s response

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India will keep an eye on the project and take all necessary steps to protect its interests.

• “We have urged the Chinese side that countries located downstream of the river should not be harmed by any activity.”
• India has appealed to China to abide by its obligations, demanding transparency and consultation.

Bangladesh’s objections

Bangladesh has also expressed concern over this project. The Brahmaputra River is a major water source for Bangladesh, and the project could impact its water supply.

China announces new county: India’s reaction

China’s move and India’s opposition

China has announced the creation of two new counties in Hotan province (Aksai Chin), under whose jurisdiction parts of India’s Ladakh region fall.

• India has termed it as “illegal and forcible occupation”.
• The Ministry of External Affairs said that this announcement will not affect India’s sovereignty.

Randhir Jaiswal’s statement

• “We have never accepted these so-called counties created by China.”
• India has lodged a strong protest with China on this issue through diplomatic channels.

Fresh tension in India-China relations

Border dispute and withdrawal of troops

The border dispute between India and China has been going on for the last four and a half years. However, both sides have recently completed the process of withdrawal of troops in Demchok and Depsang.

• Border talks: Recently talks were held by Special Representatives to resolve the border dispute.
• But the new county and the announcement of the dam project have reignited mistrust in relations.

Question on China’s intentions

India fears that China may use water flow through the Brahmaputra Dam as a strategic weapon, especially in times of hostilities.

Dam on Brahmaputra: Implications for India and Bangladesh

Impact on environment and water security

• The dam may have a negative impact on water flow in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
• There is a possibility of impact on water supply in Bangladesh also.

future steps

• India has started the process of building its own dam on the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh.
• India and Bangladesh plan to draw the attention of the international community to the issue.