NEW DELHI: The Union government has “taken note” of China’s announcement of a mega dam project on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo (upper reaches of the Brahmaputra) river in the Tibet Autonomous Region, the Centre informed Parliament.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, stated that various issues related to trans-border rivers are discussed with China under the framework of an “institutionalised Expert Level Mechanism,” established in 2006, as well as through diplomatic channels.
The ministry was questioned on whether China’s decision to construct a hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra, which flows into India and Bangladesh, has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on millions of people living downstream. “The Government of India has taken note of China’s announcement of a mega dam project approved on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo (upper reaches of the Brahmaputra) River in the Tibet Autonomous Region,” Singh affirmed.
As a lower riparian state with significant established user rights to the waters of transborder rivers, India has “consistently conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese authorities” and urged them to ensure that the interests of downstream states are “not harmed by any activities in upstream areas.”
India’s Diplomatic Engagement on the Issue
“Following the recent announcement by China of the mega dam project, we have amplified our concerns and demarched them on December 30, 2024, stressing the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries,” Singh stated.
The issue was also raised during the visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Beijing for the Foreign Secretary-Vice Foreign Minister mechanism meeting. During this visit, the two sides agreed to hold an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism to discuss the resumption of the provision of hydrological data and other cooperation measures regarding trans-border rivers, Singh further informed.
India’s Measures to Safeguard Interests
The ministry was also asked about measures India is implementing to engage with China in ensuring ecological and water flow stability in the northeastern states and adherence to international water-sharing principles.
“The Government of India intends to remain engaged with China on the issue of trans-border rivers to safeguard our interests. The government carefully monitors all developments relating to the Brahmaputra, including China’s hydropower project plans, and takes necessary measures to protect our interests, including preventive and corrective actions to safeguard the life and livelihood of Indian citizens residing in downstream areas,” Singh stated.
The announcement of the mega dam project has triggered fresh concerns about water security, ecological balance, and the rights of riparian states. India is expected to continue its diplomatic efforts to ensure that the project does not adversely impact its water resources and downstream population.
