Itanagar: The Centre has informed Parliament that India has “taken note” of reports regarding China’s commencement of a massive dam project on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. The Yarlung Tsangpo is the upstream portion of the Brahmaputra River, which is a crucial lifeline for the northeastern states of India.
Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha on August 7, stated that the project, first made public in 1986, has been in the works for a significant period.
Singh affirmed that the government is “carefully monitoring” all developments related to the Brahmaputra River and is taking necessary steps to safeguard the interests and livelihoods of Indian citizens in downstream areas. India, as a lower riparian state, has consistently conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese authorities, emphasising the need for transparency and consultation. The Minister highlighted that these issues are regularly discussed through an institutionalised expert-level mechanism established in 2006, as well as through diplomatic channels. India has also urged China to ensure that its upstream activities do not harm the interests of downstream nations. The need for cooperation and the resumption of hydrological data sharing by China was also raised during the External Affairs Minister’s recent visit to China for the SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.