Thu Dec 26 16:25:40 UTC 2024: ## China’s Massive Brahmaputra Dam Sparks Concerns in India
**NEW DELHI/BEIJING** – China’s plans for a massive dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River (Brahmaputra in India) are raising significant concerns in New Delhi. The proposed dam, part of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, is estimated to cost $137 billion, making it the world’s largest infrastructure project. Its location, where the river sharply bends towards Arunachal Pradesh, is fueling anxieties about potential downstream impacts on India.
India’s primary concern is China’s lack of transparency regarding the project. This opacity is exacerbating fears of potential flash floods and water scarcity in India, impacting its water supply and potentially leading to a dependence on China for water resources. As the upper riparian state, China’s control over the dam gives it significant leverage, a point highlighted by geopolitical strategist Genevieve Donnellon-May, who warned of potential “water wars” between the two nations. The dam also raises concerns about China’s ability to manipulate water flow for strategic purposes, potentially flooding border areas during conflicts.
In response, India is constructing its own dam on the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh. Recent discussions between Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on December 18th focused on data sharing, suggesting attempts at addressing the concerns, though the outcome remains uncertain. The project’s immense scale and potential consequences are set to further strain already tense Sino-Indian relations.
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