The proposed dam, known as the Zangmu Dam, is part of China’s ambitious plan to develop the hydroelectric potential of the Brahmaputra River basin, a critical water source for millions of people in the region. By diverting large amounts of water for power generation and irrigation, the dam is expected to produce a staggering 40,000 megawatts of electricity, which would play a pivotal role in meeting China’s growing energy demands. However, critics argue that such massive control over the river's flow poses significant risks to downstream nations, particularly India and Bangladesh, which rely on the Brahmaputra for much of their freshwater needs.
India, which shares a vast portion of the Brahmaputra with China, has expressed grave concerns about the dam's potential to disrupt the river’s natural flow. Any reduction in water supply could severely affect agricultural output and water availability in the northeastern states of India, where the river is a lifeline for millions of people. Furthermore, India has repeatedly raised alarms about the lack of transparency and cooperation from China regarding this project. Despite efforts to engage in discussions and seek clarification, New Delhi has found itself sidelined in the decision-making process, a point of contention that has added to the existing strains in the relationship between the two countries.
Bangladesh, further downstream, also faces potential consequences from the Zangmu Dam’s construction. The Brahmaputra, known as the Jamuna River in Bangladesh, is a major watercourse in the country, supporting irrigation systems, fisheries, and millions of livelihoods. A reduction in the river’s flow, especially during the dry season, could exacerbate water scarcity and threaten food security in Bangladesh, which is already vulnerable to flooding and other climate-related challenges. In response to the dam’s approval, officials in Dhaka have voiced concerns about the environmental impact, warning that such large-scale projects could accelerate erosion, sedimentation, and salinity intrusion, all of which would degrade agricultural lands and undermine local ecosystems.
The regional controversy surrounding the Zangmu Dam underscores broader tensions between China, India, and Bangladesh over transboundary water resources. Water-sharing disputes have long been a source of friction in South Asia, with historical grievances and complex geopolitical dynamics further complicating negotiations on river management. Experts argue that without a comprehensive and transparent framework for managing the Brahmaputra’s resources, the region could face escalating water conflicts in the future.
China’s growing influence in the region, through both economic and infrastructure projects, has raised concerns about the balance of power in South Asia. In addition to the Zangmu Dam, China is also involved in numerous other projects that affect shared water bodies, including dams on the Mekong and other rivers that flow through Southeast Asia. Critics argue that Beijing’s unilateral approach to these projects undermines the interests of neighboring countries, especially in terms of water security and environmental sustainability.
While China has emphasized the economic and environmental benefits of the Zangmu Dam, including providing much-needed energy to Tibet and reducing carbon emissions, the geopolitical implications of the project cannot be overlooked. The dam is seen by some analysts as a strategic tool in China’s broader plans to assert dominance in the region, further solidifying its presence in the Himalayan region. For India and Bangladesh, the project highlights their vulnerability to China’s growing control over shared water resources, leaving them with few options but to engage diplomatically and seek multilateral cooperation to address the situation.
Despite the challenges, India and Bangladesh have attempted to increase collaboration on water-sharing issues, with mixed results. India has repeatedly called for better data sharing and transparency on China’s water management practices, particularly on the Brahmaputra River, but these calls have largely gone unanswered. Bangladesh, too, has sought greater international involvement in managing the river’s waters, but progress on these fronts remains slow.