Tensions between India and China have resurfaced as Beijing advances its plans to construct the world’s largest hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River, which becomes the Brahmaputra upon entering India. New Delhi has expressed concerns over the project’s impact on downstream states and lodged a strong protest against China’s establishment of new administrative counties in disputed border regions.
The Chinese government recently approved the construction of a colossal dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River, projected to generate an annual 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. While Beijing has touted the project as a step toward green energy, India fears it could disrupt water flows critical to millions of people in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Bangladesh.
Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal voiced these apprehensions during a press briefing:
“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. We will continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect our interests,” Jaiswal asserted.
Adding to the strain, India has denounced Beijing’s decision to establish two new counties last month, one of which encompasses areas claimed by India. Jaiswal described the move as illegitimate and emphasized India’s sovereignty:
“Creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on India’s longstanding and consistent position regarding our sovereignty over the area nor lend legitimacy to China’s illegal and forcible occupation of the same,” he said.
This area includes Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as part of its southern Tibet region, a contention rejected outright by New Delhi.
The dam and territorial disputes come as India and China are attempting to rebuild relations following a deadly military clash in 2020 near the Galwan Valley in the western Himalayas. The confrontation, which resulted in casualties on both sides, marked the worst border violence between the nations in decades.
However, recent developments suggested a thaw in relations. In October, the two nations agreed to disengage troops from the last standoff points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western Himalayas. Senior officials also held formal talks for the first time in five years last month, agreeing to take incremental steps toward restoring trust.
Despite these gestures, the dam project and ongoing border disputes underscore lingering tensions between the two Asian giants. India’s concerns about water security, sovereignty, and regional stability remain unresolved. While formal dialogues offer a platform for addressing grievances, mutual trust will be essential for navigating these challenges and preventing further escalation.
