Sovereignty and Security Concerns: India perceives China’s dam construction on the Brahmaputra as a threat to its territorial integrity and water resources, prompting diplomatic protests.
Regional and International Diplomacy: India leverages international frameworks and engages with neighbors like Bangladesh and Bhutan to address shared water concerns and bolster its regional leadership.
Unified Domestic and Foreign Policy: Public support strengthens India’s diplomatic position, emphasizing sovereignty and sustainable development while navigating tensions with China.
Sovereignty at Stake: The Brahmaputra Dilemma
In light of recent events regarding the construction of a dam over the Brahmaputra River, issues of sovereignty, security, and diplomacy stress India’s foreign policy amidst its contemporary relations with China. Construction of this dam has raised concerns in New Delhi, leading to formal protests against Beijing. India’s realist policy moves are aimed at protecting national interests in the context of complex regional security structures. The Brahmaputra River, a vital water source and a cornerstone of India’s identity, is central to these concerns. China’s plans for more dams on the river are perceived by India as threats to territorial integrity, particularly given past experiences in river sharing. This protest by the Indian government underscores its determination to protect its resources and ensure equitable usage of shared water bodies.
Foreign Policy Dynamics: Balancing Act with China
India views China’s dam construction as part of a broader hegemonic strategy, threatening environmental balance and regional security. Reduced water flow during critical seasons could endanger agriculture and millions of livelihoods. India’s strategic response reflects its focus on national security and regional influence. The Sino-Indian relationship, marked by a mix of partnership and competition, sees this conflict as an undercurrent of tension. India’s assertiveness exemplifies its broader approach to strengthening its regional dominance while appealing to international frameworks like the United Nations Watercourses Convention. This legal pathway aligns with India’s diplomatic efforts to address hydro-sharing disputes and safeguard its sovereignty.
Engaging Neighbors, Public Sentiment, and Political Will
India’s stance on the Brahmaputra dam extends beyond Sino-Indian dynamics, involving its neighbors such as Bangladesh and Bhutan, which also face upstream impacts. By opposing China’s assertiveness, India seeks to reinforce its role as a cooperative regional power advocating sustainable resource usage. Domestically, this issue resonates with public sentiment, bolstering political will. The solidarity between Indian citizens and the government strengthens India’s negotiation stance with China and enhances its global image. Addressing domestic concerns while engaging diplomatically with China allows India to project a unified front, emphasizing its commitment to sovereignty and regional stability.
Conclusion: Navigating Challenges Ahead
India’s response to China’s Brahmaputra dam construction will need to address climate change and water scarcity, which complicate the management of international watercourses. Vigilance, regional collaboration, and strategic foreign policy will be critical for safeguarding India’s interests. The realist measures adopted by India reaffirm its focus on sovereignty, national security, and sustainable development in South Asia. India’s proactive policies will shape its future relations with China and other neighbors, balancing regional dynamics and ensuring resource protection.
References
Roy, Shubhajit. “India Raises Brahmaputra Dam Plan with China, Objects to New Counties in Aksai Chin.” The Indian Express, January 3, 2025. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-protest-china-new-counties-hotan-ladakh-9758431/.
TOI News Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Dec 26, 2024. “China Plans World’s Largest Dam on Brahmaputra: How Will It Impact India: India News – Times of India.” The Times of India. Accessed January 9, 2025. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/china-plans-worlds-largest-dam-on-brahmaputra-how-will-it-impact-india/articleshow/116682819.cms.
YouTube. Accessed January 9, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsBfMJdhM4U&t=3s.
“Understanding Earth’s ‘Largest Dam’ and India’s Concerns as China Construct It on Mighty Brahmaputra.” The Tribune. Accessed January 9, 2025. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/understanding-earths-largest-dam-and-indias-concerns-as-china-construct-it-on-mighty-brahmaputra/.
Shrivara Mahajan is pursuing an International Relations major with a minor in Public Policy at OP Jindal Global University. He is a Senior Intern at the Jindal Centre for the Global South and has priorly interned with The Spread Smile Foundation. Views expressed are the author’s own.
Aayush Pal 
SamvadaWorld Staff