India has voiced its concerns to China about the construction of a mega dam on the Brahmaputra River in the lower reaches, citing potential implications for downstream nations. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed these concerns during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday. The Chinese official was in India for a two-day visit, hosted at the invitation of National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Discussions covered de-escalation, boundary affairs, and regional and international matters. India also raised the issue of terrorism, emphasizing its commitment to combating it, a sentiment echoed by the Chinese Foreign Minister. India specifically highlighted its concerns regarding the mega dam project in the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River region, emphasizing the need for transparency. Additionally, India reiterated its stance on Taiwan, maintaining its focus on economic, technological, and cultural ties. The Indian government has been monitoring developments related to the Brahmaputra River, including China’s hydropower projects, and is taking measures to protect Indian interests. Discussions on trans-border rivers are ongoing through established mechanisms, with India consistently urging China to consider the impact on downstream states. The issue was also discussed during a meeting in Beijing, where both sides agreed to an early meeting to discuss hydrological data and cooperation on trans-border rivers.
