India Calls for Transparency and Dialogue on China's Mega Dam on Brahmaputra

India Urges China to Safeguard Downstream Interests Amid Mega Dam Concerns on Brahmaputra

Amid growing concerns over China’s proposed mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (upper Brahmaputra) in Tibet, the Indian government has reiterated its demand for transparency and consultation to ensure that downstream countries, including India, are not adversely affected.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed Parliament that India has consistently conveyed its concerns to China, emphasizing the need to protect the rights and interests of lower riparian states.

“As a lower riparian country with considerable established user rights to the waters of transboundary rivers, India has urged China to ensure that activities in upstream areas do not harm downstream regions,” Singh stated.

Following China’s recent announcement approving the dam project, New Delhi formally conveyed its concerns on December 30, 2024, highlighting the importance of transparency, data sharing, and dialogue with affected nations.

The minister assured that the Indian government closely monitors all developments related to the Brahmaputra River, particularly China’s hydropower projects, and takes necessary preventive and corrective measures to safeguard the livelihoods of Indian citizens in downstream areas.

India and China have an institutionalized Expert-Level Mechanism (ELM) on transboundary rivers, established in 2006, which serves as a platform for discussions on water resource management. The issue was also raised during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s recent visit to Beijing, where both sides agreed to hold an early meeting of the expert group to discuss the resumption of hydrological data sharing and further cooperation.

“The Government of India remains committed to ongoing engagement with China on the issue of transborder rivers to safeguard our national interests,” Singh added.