Fri Feb 07 05:16:41 UTC 2025: **India Raises Concerns Over China’s Massive Brahmaputra Dam Project**
New Delhi, Feb 7, 2025 – The Indian government has expressed its concerns to China regarding a massive new dam project on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River (upper Brahmaputra), announced by Beijing. The $137 billion project, described as the world’s largest, has raised fears in India about its potential impact on downstream water flow and millions of people in India and Bangladesh.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh confirmed to the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that the Indian government has “taken note” of the project. Singh stated that India has consistently raised its concerns with Chinese authorities, emphasizing the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries. He highlighted that India, as a lower riparian state, possesses established user rights to the river’s waters.
The issue was further discussed during a recent visit by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Beijing. Both countries agreed to hold an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism to address concerns, including the resumption of hydrological data sharing.
The Indian government assures it will continue to engage with China on the matter to safeguard its interests and monitor all developments concerning the Brahmaputra River. Measures are in place to protect the lives and livelihoods of Indian citizens in downstream areas. These measures include preventive and corrective actions to address any potential negative ecological and water flow stability impacts in northeastern India.
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