New Delhi: The central government is “carefully” the developments related to the Rio BrahmaputraIncluding China’s plans to build a hydroelectric project, and is taking the necessary measures to safeguard the interests of India, Parliament was informed on Thursday.
In a written response to a consultation in Rajya Sabha, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, declared that India “remains compromised” with China in Trans-Borden River problems to “safeguard our interests.” He added that “preventive and corrective measures” are being implemented to protect the life and livelihood that Indian citizens living downstream of Brahmaputra.
The Ministry of External Affairs was asked if China had “approved” the construction of a mega hydroelectric energy project in the Yarlung Tsangpo, despite India’s concerns about its impact on the water flow down and Ecological stability.
Singh confirmed that “the Government of India has taken note of the Chinese announcement of a Mega dam project approved in the lower sections of the Yarlung Tsangpo River (upper reach of the Brahmaputra River) in the Tibet.”
He reiterated that India “carefully monitors all developments related to the Brahmaputra river, including China’s plans to develop hydroelectric projects, and takes the necessary measures to protect our interests, including preventive and corrective measures to protect the life and support of Indian citizens that reside in later areas.”
The problems related to the trans borders rivers are addressed through a mechanism of institutionalized experts established in 2006, as well as diplomatic channels, he said.
“As a lower riverside state with considerable user rights established on the waters of the trans-borders, the government has constantly transmitted their views and concerns to the Chinese authorities and has urged them to ensure that the interests of the downstream states are not harmed by any activity in the upstream areas,” added Singh.
After China’s announcement of the DAM project, India “registered his concerns” with China on December 30, 2024, specifying the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries.
The issue was also raised during the visit of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to Beijing for a meeting of the Mechanism of the Foreign Minister of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs from January 27 to 27, 2025.
“During the visit, India and China agreed to celebrate an early meeting of the expert level mechanism to discuss the resumption of the provision of hydrological data and other cooperation related to the trans border rivers,” said Singh.