India Urges China to Safeguard Downstream Interests Amid Brahmaputra Dam Concerns

New Delhi emphasizes transparency and consultation on China’s hydropower project over the Yarlung Tsangpo to prevent downstream impact.

New Delhi, January 3: India has urged China to ensure that downstream states are not adversely affected by its activities in upstream regions of the Brahmaputra River, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Friday.

The appeal comes in response to recent reports highlighting China’s construction of a mega hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra, known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Addressing a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The Chinese side has been urged to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed by activities in upstream areas.”

The statement follows rising concerns among Indian citizens and strategic experts about the potential environmental and economic consequences of China’s hydropower activities. Similar apprehensions have previously been raised regarding China’s dam-building projects on the river’s upper reaches.

Jaiswal further noted that India has been closely monitoring the developments, especially after China’s state media outlet Xinhua released details about the hydropower project on December 25, 2024.

“As a lower riparian state with established user rights to the waters of the river, we have consistently expressed, through expert-level as well as diplomatic channels, our views and concerns to the Chinese side over mega projects on rivers in their territory,” he said.

He reiterated India’s stance on the need for transparency and meaningful consultations with downstream countries to prevent any unintended adverse consequences.

On January 1, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed concerns over the dam construction, emphasizing its potential impact on the Brahmaputra, which serves as a lifeline for Assam and neighboring regions. Sarma urged the central government to address the issue diplomatically with Beijing.

The Brahmaputra River, originating in Tibet as the Yarlung Tsangpo, flows through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam before entering Bangladesh. It serves as a vital water resource for agriculture, transportation, and daily life in these regions.

The Indian government has pledged to continue monitoring developments and take all necessary measures to protect its water and environmental interests.