India and China’s already strained relationship has hit another hurdle. Beijing is moving forward with the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra River. Furthermore, it has also established two new administrative counties in Ladakh.
These developments have raised serious concerns in New Delhi. India views them as direct challenges to its sovereignty and regional stability.
China’s Brahmaputra Megaproject
China recently approved the construction of a massive dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (the Brahmaputra River in India). This megaproject, estimated to cost $137 billion, is set to be the largest hydropower dam in the world and will overshadow the iconic Three Gorges Dam.
The dam is strategically planned near the Great Bend of the Brahmaputra, just before the river enters India’s Arunachal Pradesh. This location gives China significant control over the river’s flow, sparking fears in India and Bangladesh of potential water shortages, flash floods, and ecological harm.
India, as a lower riparian state, has reiterated its opposition to such projects and demanded transparency and consultation on transboundary rivers. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized the need for China to consider the interests of downstream nations. “We have consistently expressed our concerns through diplomatic channels, urging China to ensure that such projects do not harm downstream communities,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
For details on China’s world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet and the geopolitical tensions it has sparked, read this article on the environmental, social, and political implications of China’s ambitious energy project.
Strategic Concerns for India
The construction of the dam has broader implications beyond environmental concerns. Experts warn that, during conflicts, China could manipulate the flow of water. This could create flooding in India’s border areas or cut off essential supplies. Such weaponization of water resources poses a critical national security threat for India.
Moreover, the project raises questions about China’s commitment to regional cooperation under international norms, such as the Helsinki Rules on transboundary rivers, which emphasize equitable water-sharing principles.
China’s New Counties in Ladakh
Compounding the tension, Beijing recently announced the creation of two new administrative counties—He’an County and Hekang County—in its Hotan Prefecture. These counties claim parts of India’s Union Territory of Ladakh. This move has been labeled as an “illegal occupation” by New Delhi. “We have never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area,” said the MEA spokesperson. “The creation of new counties does not change our position on sovereignty.”
The announcement comes amid China’s continued attempts to solidify its control over disputed regions. It follows a series of border standoffs, including the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020. The ongoing military buildup along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) continues to exacerbate tensions.
The Broader Picture
China’s actions are part of its broader strategy to assert dominance in the region through infrastructure projects and territorial claims. In response, India is ramping up its diplomatic efforts to counter these moves. It is raising the issue at international forums and strengthening ties with like-minded nations.
The Brahmaputra dam and the establishment of new counties highlight the challenges India faces in managing its complex relationship with China. These developments threaten India’s sovereignty and emphasize the need for robust policies to safeguard its strategic and environmental interests.
As tensions rise, the global community will closely watch how these two Asian giants navigate this phase of heightened confrontation.
