The Tibetan megadam raises tensions between China and India

Friday 03 October 2025 - 07:00

By: Sahili Aya

The Tibetan megadam raises tensions between China and India

In Tibet, the construction of what is expected to become the world’s largest dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River has ignited a new chapter of tension between China and India. While Beijing presents the project as a cornerstone of its "green transition," New Delhi fears that the initiative could evolve into a so-called “water war.”

The colossal project, located near the border with India, is part of China’s strategy to boost renewable energy and secure its long-term electricity supply. Once completed, the megadam would surpass the size and power generation of the famous Three Gorges Dam. Chinese authorities argue it is vital for sustainable growth and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

However, India sees the development as a threat. The Brahmaputra River, which flows from Tibet into northeastern India, is a crucial source of life for millions. Any alteration of its flow could have severe consequences for agriculture, drinking water, and regional stability. Analysts warn that such hydro-projects could fuel mistrust and strain already fragile diplomatic relations between the two Asian giants.

Environmentalists also raise alarms, pointing out the potential damage to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Critics argue that massive infrastructure in such a sensitive region could trigger landslides, biodiversity loss, and social tensions among local populations.

For Beijing, the project embodies ambition and technological prowess. For India, it raises existential questions about sovereignty and survival. In the words of a regional expert: “Water has the potential to become the new oil of Asia, and this dam is right at the center of the dispute.”