India has raised concerns over China’s announcement to build the world’s largest dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River, which flows downstream into Indian territory as the Brahmaputra River. Following the news, India reiterated its objections to mega hydropower projects in the region, citing the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries.
The Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported last week that Beijing had approved the construction of a hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River, claiming the project would contribute to low-carbon development and prioritise ecological protection. However, India expressed its disapproval of the project, stressing the importance of safeguarding the interests of downstream states.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that, as a lower riparian state with established rights to the river’s waters, it has consistently raised concerns with China through both diplomatic and expert-level channels. The MEA spokesperson underscored the need for China to engage in consultations with downstream nations to ensure their interests are not harmed by activities in upstream areas. India has also emphasised its intent to continue monitoring the situation and take necessary measures to protect its interests.
The proposed hydropower project has drawn international attention due to its estimated cost of $137 billion, making it one of the world’s largest infrastructure projects. While India and China had previously maintained an institutionalised mechanism to address trans-border river issues, these discussions were suspended following the military standoff in eastern Ladakh in 2020. The resumption of data sharing on trans-border rivers was included in the agenda during the first meeting of the special representatives in Beijing after the resolution of the standoff in December 2024.
Hydropower development in Tibet has been ongoing for several years, with multiple projects launched under China’s five-year plans. Notably, three hydropower projects were planned on the Brahmaputra’s mainstream during China’s 12th Five-Year Plan (2011–2015), with one such project becoming operational in 2020. More recently, the 14th Five-Year Plan has also outlined plans for additional hydropower development in the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra River.
India has consistently conveyed its concerns regarding these projects, urging China to ensure that they do not negatively impact downstream states. The Indian government has been reassured by China that the projects are run-of-the-river hydropower schemes, which do not involve water diversion or significant alterations to the river’s flow. However, India remains cautious, as projects involving water storage or diversion could reduce water flow downstream, potentially impacting India’s water security.
In addition to concerns over the dam, India has also protested China’s creation of two new counties in the Hotan Prefecture, parts of which fall within Aksai Chin, an area claimed by India. The Indian government has reaffirmed its position on the region, stating that the establishment of these countries does not affect India’s sovereignty over the area.
A formal protest has been lodged through diplomatic channels, reiterating India’s consistent stance against China’s occupation of Indian territory in the region.