India Expresses Concerns Over China’s Brahmaputra Dam Project and New Counties in Aksai Chin
India has raised significant concerns with China over the construction of a massive hydropower project on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, as well as the establishment of new counties in the Aksai Chin region, which India claims as part of its territory.
The concerns were prompted by the Chinese government’s announcement of a plan to build the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, which flows into India and Bangladesh. The project, which is expected to cost around USD 137 billion, was approved by Beijing without prior consultation with India, as required by existing conventions between the two nations. India only learned of the project through media reports, prompting Indian officials to reach out to their Chinese counterparts to seek more information.
India has expressed concern about the potential impact of the dam on downstream states, particularly India and Bangladesh, which rely heavily on the river’s water. Delhi has urged China to ensure that the hydropower project does not harm the interests of these downstream countries. The Indian government has also requested greater transparency and consultations with both India and Bangladesh as the project moves forward.
Responding to questions, Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized India’s long-standing position as a lower riparian state with established rights to the Brahmaputra’s waters. Jaiswal reiterated that India has consistently raised its concerns about large-scale projects in China’s upstream areas and has urged Beijing to avoid any actions that could adversely affect the flow of water downstream. He added that India would continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to protect its interests.
The hydropower project will be constructed in a gorge in the Himalayan region, where the Brahmaputra takes a dramatic U-turn before flowing into Arunachal Pradesh and Bangladesh. The project’s investment is expected to surpass one trillion yuan, making it one of the most ambitious infrastructure endeavors in the world, surpassing even China’s iconic Three Gorges Dam.
Despite these concerns, Chinese officials have attempted to alleviate fears about the environmental and geopolitical consequences of the project. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, downplayed the potential risks, stating that China had conducted extensive studies to ensure the project would not harm downstream regions. Mao also asserted that the project would not negatively impact the lower reaches of the river.
In addition to the hydropower project, India has lodged a formal protest over China’s establishment of two new counties in the Hotan Prefecture of its Xinjiang region, which India claims as part of its Union Territory of Ladakh. The creation of He’an County and Hekang County, which are located in areas of Aksai Chin, has raised concerns about China’s ongoing territorial claims in the region. India has maintained that it does not recognize China’s occupation of Aksai Chin, a region that it considers part of its sovereign territory.
Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s position, stating that the establishment of the counties would not alter India’s consistent stance on its sovereignty over the disputed area. He emphasized that India had lodged a formal protest through diplomatic channels to express its disapproval of China’s actions in the region.
As both issues continue to unfold, India remains vigilant in defending its territorial integrity and safeguarding the interests of its citizens, especially in relation to vital water resources like the Brahmaputra. India’s diplomatic efforts underscore its commitment to addressing the challenges posed by China’s actions and ensuring that its concerns are heard on the global stage.
