A Chinese project for a giant dam in Tibet is causing growing concern in India, which fears economic, ecological and political impacts for populations living downstream. On Friday, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal demanded full transparency from Beijing on this infrastructure project, highlighting the potential consequences for India and Bangladesh.
A project of unprecedented scale
The proposed dam on the Brahmaputra, a vital river for regions of South Asia, would exceed in size and capacity the Three Gorges Dam, currently the largest in the world. China presents this project as a solution to accelerate its energy transition and reduce its carbon footprint.
However, New Delhi is warning of the risks linked to changes in the flow of the river, which supplies millions of homes and supports an agricultural economy largely dependent on water. The Indian government recalls that any development of cross-border watercourses must be discussed with the riparian states concerned.
Transparency and consultation at stake
China assured in December, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that this dam would have no negative effect on the territories downstream. These statements have not convinced India, which is calling for bilateral consultations before any major progress on this project.
Indian experts believe that the lack of transparency around these infrastructures represents a danger for the management of shared resources. The question also has a strategic dimension, in a context where relations between the two Asian powers remain marked by recurring border tensions.
Economic and political implications
Beyond environmental issues, this project highlights geopolitical tensions in the region. Control of the Brahmaputra’s hydraulic resources could become a strategic lever for Beijing. For New Delhi, protecting its water interests is a national priority, directly affecting the food and economic security of several federal states.
The Chinese dam project also reflects the ambitions of Xi Jinping’s government to strengthen its influence over global energy infrastructure, while supporting the development of its less favored regions such as Tibet.
International river management
India calls for international cooperation in the management of transboundary rivers, recalling historical precedents where similar developments have exacerbated water conflicts. Observers are calling for a more restrictive regional framework to guarantee equitable exploitation of water resources.
