India Raises Concerns Over China's New Mega Dam on Brahmaputra

India has formally expressed concerns to China regarding its move to construct a massive dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, known as the Brahmaputra in India, given the potential strategic and environmental implications. This topic was recently addressed by India's external affairs minister in diplomatic talks with the Chinese counterpart during the latter's visit to India, the government informed the Rajya Sabha.

In responding to inquiries about the government's stance on the dam project, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh highlighted that plans for the dam initially surfaced in 1986. Since then, China has been gearing up for the construction. India continues to closely monitor developments related to the Brahmaputra River to safeguard the livelihoods of citizens in downstream areas through preventive and corrective policies.

Various trans-border river issues are discussed with China through diplomatic channels and an established Expert Level Mechanism since 2006. India insists on the necessity for transparency and consultation with downstream nations concerning upstream developments. Despite previously signed MOUs regarding hydrological data sharing, data provision has been inconsistent, prompting India to highlight this shortfall during bilateral interactions with Chinese officials.

(With inputs from agencies.)