SRINAGAR: India-China relations, which had shown signs of improvement following the resolution of border tensions in Ladakh, have encountered fresh challenges as New Delhi protests two contentious developments from Beijing. India has objected strongly to China’s establishment of two new counties in the Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang, claiming they include territory in Ladakh. Simultaneously, India has expressed concern over China’s plans to construct a mega dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, a project that could significantly impact downstream riparian states, including India.
The government in Delhi said it has lodged a “solemn protest” with Beijing over its recent announcement establishing He’an County and Hekang County in the Hotan Prefecture. These counties, according to MEA, incorporate parts of Ladakh.
“We have never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. “Creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on India’s long-standing and consistent position regarding our sovereignty over the area nor lend legitimacy to China’s illegal and forcible occupation of the same.”
This latest move by China comes soon after Special Representatives from both nations resumed talks on border issues following a five-year hiatus. The discussions had marked a positive shift in relations, particularly after disengagement at friction points in Ladakh. However, Beijing’s administrative restructuring of the Hotan Prefecture appears to have rekindled tensions.
Adding to India’s concerns is China’s announcement of constructing a massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, known as the Brahmaputra in India. Slated to become the world’s largest hydropower project, the 60,000 MW dam would surpass the scale of China’s Three Gorges Dam.
India has urged Beijing to ensure that the project does not adversely affect the ecological balance or livelihoods of communities in downstream states such as Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
“As a lower riparian state with established user rights to the waters of the river, we have consistently expressed our views and concerns to the Chinese side over mega projects on rivers in their territory,” said Jaiswal. He emphasised the need for transparency and consultation, adding that the Indian government is monitoring developments and will take measures to safeguard its interests.
Experts have pointed out that the project’s location in the seismically active and ecologically sensitive eastern Himalayas poses significant risks. Beyond environmental concerns, the potential for China to control water flow into downstream regions has raised alarm in India. The project could affect silt deposition crucial for agriculture and disrupt biodiversity.
China’s actions on both the territorial and water issues signal a potential shift in its approach, raising questions about its willingness to address India’s concerns. While Beijing has maintained that the dam will aid its carbon neutrality goals and dismissed fears of adverse downstream effects, Indian analysts argue that such unilateral actions undermine trust and cooperation. (With PTI Inputs)
