NEW DELHI: The central government is “carefully” monitoring developments related to the Brahmaputra river, including China’s plans to construct a hydropower project, and is taking necessary measures to safeguard India’s interests, Parliament was informed on Thursday.
In a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, minister of state for external affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that India “remains engaged” with China on trans-border river issues to “safeguard our interests.” He added that “preventive and corrective measures” are being implemented to protect the life and livelihood of Indian citizens living downstream of the Brahmaputra.
The ministry of external affairs was asked whether China had “approved” the construction of a mega hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo, despite India’s concerns about its impact on downstream water flow and ecological stability.
Singh confirmed that “the Government of India has taken note of China’s announcement of a mega dam project approved on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo (upper reaches of the Brahmaputra) River in Tibet.”
He reiterated that India “carefully monitors all developments relating to the Brahmaputra river, including plans by China to develop hydropower projects, and takes necessary measures to protect our interests, including preventive and corrective measures to safeguard life and livelihood of Indian citizens residing in downstream areas.”
Issues concerning trans-border rivers are addressed through an institutionalised Expert Level Mechanism established in 2006, as well as diplomatic channels, he said.
“As a lower riparian state with considerable established user rights to the waters of the trans-border rivers, the government has consistently conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese authorities and has urged them to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas,” Singh added.
Following China’s announcement of the dam project, India “registered its concerns” with China on December 30, 2024, specifying the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries.
The matter was also raised during the foreign secretary’s visit to Beijing for a meeting of the foreign secretary-vice foreign minister mechanism on January 26-27, 2025.
“During the visit, India and China agreed to hold an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism to discuss resumption of provision of hydrological data and other cooperation pertaining to trans-border rivers,” Singh said.
