Behind The Brahmaputra: Pakistan's Role in China's Threat to India
China countered India's threat to stop the Indus river waters to Pakistan, which is a testament to the friendship between these two countries. China is blackmailing India by threatening to stop Brahmaputra river waters. In reality, only 35% of the Brahmaputra flows through China. The Brahmaputra expands as it enters India; it doesn't shrink.
China Support to Pakistani Terrorism
Brahmaputra expands in Assam and the north-eastern states due to rainwater. Therefore, our country doesn't need to fear China's threats. This is a fresh example of China supporting Pakistani terrorism. There may be a strategic friendship between the two countries, but they cannot hide the facts. If China wanted to reduce the water flow in the Brahmaputra, it would actually benefit India. This is because floods in Assam would decrease. Every year, millions of people in Assam are displaced due to Brahmaputra floods. There is no evidence that China has had such thoughts until now. If it had, the Brahmaputra flow into our country would have decreased. However, China did plan to build dams on the Brahmaputra, but it has not implemented them. Even if China and Pakistan tried to harm India, the geographical conditions are favourable to India, so those attempts are not working in their favour.
The suggestion that China should stop the Brahmaputra water was made by an expert only. During the monsoon season, about 15,000 to 20,000 cubic meters of rainwater is available at the India-China border. All of it comes into India. Therefore, even if China wants to stop the Brahmaputra water, it's not possible. Moreover, all the water from tributaries like Subansiri and Dhansiri flows into India. Therefore, China backing Pakistan will be of no use.
Sindhu Water Issue
The case of the Indus waters is different. If India stops it, Pakistan won't receive a single drop of water from the Indus River. That's why Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is repeatedly urging our Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the decision on Indus waters. India's stance against separatism is gaining increasing support from various countries worldwide.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, indirectly referring to Khalistani separatists in his country, called for them not to take a stance against India. He praised India's commendable fight against separatism and terrorism. He warned his country's people that encouraging separatists like Khalistanis would harm Canada's interests. He was the Prime Minister of Canada during the Kanishka bombing. Khalistani extremists blew up the Kanishka plane. He set up an inquiry commission into that incident where 320 people died.
While almost all countries have decided to stay away from Pakistan and terrorism, China, out of hatred for us, is supporting Pakistan. While India's fight against terrorism is receiving support from all over the world, China is adopting a different stance. China is trying to win over our neighbour Bangladesh. Bangladesh's interim government ruler, Mohammed Yunus, is eager for China's favour. He recently stated that their government is ready for an alliance with China.
Bangladesh Water Issue
India also has water disputes with Bangladesh. Bangladesh is looking to fight with our country over Ganga and Teesta river waters. Bangladesh receives water due to our country's generosity. It wouldn't be surprising if Bangladesh were instigated against our country out of spite.
China is supporting Pakistan for the implementation of its dream project, the grand road. China is not providing aid to Pakistan commensurate with the cooperation Pakistan is offering. If that were the case, Pakistan wouldn't have to go around Islamic countries with a begging bowl. Even if China tries to trouble India for Pakistan over the Brahmaputra water distribution, it will be a futile attempt. India has a larger share of water from the Brahmaputra. Moreover, with rain-fed water flow, there is no danger of water scarcity for India. Therefore, even if China and Pakistan unite to raise river water disputes to blackmail India, it will be useless.
Key Aspects of China's Water Dispute
China's Upstream Status: The Brahmaputra River originates in Tibet flows through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in India, and then enters Bangladesh. As an upstream country, China has significant control over the river's flow. This gives it the ability to impact downstream countries by building dams or diverting water.
China's Dam Construction: China is building several large hydropower projects on the Brahmaputra River. The largest of these projects in Medog, Tibet, is poised to become the world's largest hydroelectric scheme. It is located just 30 KM from the Indian border. The construction of these dams raises concerns in India because - these dams give China the ability to control water flow. This could cause severe damage to India during droughts or floods. If China suddenly releases water during war or tensions, severe floods could occur in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Dam construction could impact the ecosystem, agriculture, and livelihoods in downstream areas.
Lack of Treaties: There is no binding treaty between India and China on the sharing of Brahmaputra river water, like the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. Although some data-sharing agreements exist, they are not official. This lack of an agreement allows China to make unilateral decisions, making the issue more volatile.
Pakistan's Misinformation: Recently, as India reconsidered the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan resorted to threats that China would stop Brahmaputra water. However, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma refuted these claims.
Himanta Biswa Sarma's Explanation
China's Low Share: Only 30-35% of the Brahmaputra River's total flow comes from China. This water mainly comes from melting glaciers in the Tibetan region.
Grows in India: The remaining 65-70% of the river's water is generated within Indian Territory, especially through heavy rainfall and tributaries in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya.
Rain-fed River: He stated that the Brahmaputra River is primarily a rain-fed Indian River system and strengthens after entering Indian Territory.
Benefit of Flood Reduction: Even if China reduces water flow, it could help reduce the impact of floods in Assam, which would be a rare benefit.
Therefore, the concern that China, as an upstream country, could use political blackmail due to its dam construction and the lack of a binding agreement with India on the Brahmaputra river water is real. However, as explained by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Brahmaputra River is primarily a rain-fed river, and most of its flow originates in India. Nevertheless, this issue is crucial for India's water security and strategic relations. Therefore, India should continuously engage in diplomatic discussions with China on this matter, monitor activities on the river, and efficiently manage domestic water resources.
