India Protests China’s Creation of Counties in Ladakh, Raises Concerns Over Brahmaputra Dam
New Delhi: India has formally raised objections with China following the establishment of two new counties in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, parts of which fall within India’s Union Territory of Ladakh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed this through diplomatic channels on Thursday.
Chinese state media Xinhua reported on December 27 that the Chinese government, through its Central Committee and State Council, approved the formation of He’an County and Hekang County, both of which will be administered under Hotan Prefecture. The creation of these counties has drawn significant attention, as some parts of their jurisdiction overlap with Ladakh, a region that India claims as its own.
In response to the development, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India has never recognized the Chinese occupation of Ladakh. Jaiswal stated, “We have taken note of the announcement concerning these so-called counties, as parts of their jurisdiction lie within India’s Union Territory of Ladakh.” , reiterating India’s firm stance on its sovereignty over the area.
Jaiswal further stated that the creation of these counties would not alter India’s longstanding position on the matter and would not legitimize China’s actions in the region. He went on to say, “We have submitted a formal protest to the Chinese side through diplomatic channels.”
The county seats of He’an and Hekang are reportedly located in Hongliu Township and Xeyidula Township, respectively. The move to establish these counties comes amid ongoing tensions between India and China over territorial disputes in the region.
India Raises Concerns Over China’s Hydropower Project on Brahmaputra
In addition to the territorial dispute, India also raised concerns over China’s ongoing construction of a hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (known as the Brahmaputra River downstream). According to a report by Xinhua on December 25, China is constructing a large-scale hydropower dam in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
India, a lower riparian state, has repeatedly expressed its concerns about the potential impact of such projects on downstream countries, particularly India and Bangladesh. “As a lower riparian state with established user rights to the waters of the Brahmaputra, India has consistently conveyed its concerns to China, both through diplomatic and expert-level channels,” Jaiswal remarked.
India has stressed the need for transparency and consultation on such projects, particularly those that affect shared water resources. Jaiswal further added that India has urged China to ensure that the interests of downstream countries are not harmed by such projects.He assured that India would closely monitor the developments and take the necessary actions to safeguard its interests.
Ongoing Border Tensions and Diplomatic Strain
The creation of these two counties and the development of the Brahmaputra dam are just the latest chapters in an ongoing series of disputes between India and China. Both countries have long struggled with tensions over territorial claims, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Ladakh region. Despite rounds of diplomatic talks and military disengagement efforts, tensions remain high as both sides assert their control over contested areas.
China’s expansionist policies have raised alarm not only for India but also for neighboring countries in the region, including Bhutan and Nepal, which also share borders with China. India has called for a multilateral approach to address these complex territorial and environmental issues.
The growing concerns over the Brahmaputra hydropower projects come as China continues to aggressively pursue infrastructure projects in regions bordering India. The geopolitical implications of such projects are far-reaching, with experts warning that they could affect water availability in critical rivers that millions depend on for agriculture and drinking water. The rising tension over water resource management is seen as a crucial point in the broader geopolitical struggle between the two nations.
Strategic and Economic Implications
The ongoing disputes between India and China are not limited to territorial concerns but also extend to strategic and economic dimensions. With both countries being major players in the global economy and militarily, their relationship has significant implications for regional security and stability. India has repeatedly called for peaceful negotiations and adherence to international law, while China has maintained that its actions in the region are within its sovereign rights.
India’s focus has now shifted to ensuring that international agreements and norms regarding shared resources are respected. Experts argue that this dispute could lead to long-term diplomatic, environmental, and economic consequences unless both nations engage in a transparent and balanced approach.
In the coming months, it is expected that these issues will continue to be a point of contention at international forums, including the United Nations, where India has often raised concerns over China’s military build-up and its stance on disputed territories. India’s consistent message has been clear: it will not tolerate any encroachment on its sovereignty and will continue to seek international support for its position.
Looking Ahead
India’s diplomatic responses to both the creation of new counties in Ladakh and the construction of hydropower projects on the Brahmaputra reflect the country’s growing assertiveness in protecting its territorial and environmental interests. As both India and China continue to navigate these issues, the need for transparent dialogue and adherence to international norms remains paramount.
While the situation remains fluid, India’s stance signals its commitment to safeguarding its rights and ensuring that any developments in the region, whether territorial or environmental, are addressed with the utmost regard for peace, security, and the well-being of its people.
The complexity of these issues is heightened by the international community’s growing interest in the Indian subcontinent’s stability, with foreign governments increasingly paying attention to the interplay of these territorial disputes. India’s efforts to mobilize support for its position could further shape the geopolitical landscape, potentially influencing future regional and global alliances.
