India’s diplomatic protest to China over the creation of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture, an area located within the UT of Ladakh, and the announcement of a mega dam project on the Brahmaputra River, highlights the growing complexity in the bilateral relations between the two neighbouring giants. As India rightly continues to assert its territorial claims and protect its interests, these developments underscore the fragility of the peace and stability seemingly restored after a four-and-a-half-year border standoff. The combination of territorial disputes and water security concerns represents a significant challenge that both sides must address in order to avoid further escalation.
The creation of two new counties in Hotan, which China claims as part of its Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has sparked a strong reaction from New Delhi. India firmly believes that parts of these countries fall within the Indian UT of Ladakh. India’s External Affairs Ministry was quick to lodge a formal protest, dismissing China’s move as an attempt to legitimise its “illegal and forcible occupation” of Indian territory. This stance is a reflection of India’s long-standing position on the disputed territories of Aksai Chin and other areas of Ladakh, which have remained a point of tension between the two countries for decades.
While these territorial disputes are not new, the timing of the announcement is significant. It came shortly after India and China had resumed their special representatives talks, following the disengagement of troops at two friction points, Demchok and Depsang, which had been sources of military standoffs for several years. During these talks, both countries expressed a desire to normalise bilateral relations and focus on cross-border cooperation. The announcement of these counties, therefore, raises serious questions about China’s commitment to stability in the region and its willingness to resolve disputes in a mutually respectful manner. For India, this goes against the spirit of diplomatic dialogue that has been established in recent months, particularly after the intense military standoff and the subsequent agreements to reduce tensions. The fact that this announcement comes at a time when both countries were engaged in talks to resolve their border issues is concerning, as it suggests a lack of genuine intent on the part of China to ease tensions.
At the same time, China’s proposed mega-dam project on the Brahmaputra River has added another layer of complexity to the already fraught relationship. The Brahmaputra is a lifeline for millions of people in India, particularly in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, as well as in Bangladesh. Any disruption in its flow could have catastrophic consequences, both environmentally and economically. The construction of a dam at this scale in the upper reaches of the river could significantly impact water flow downstream, affecting agricultural and drinking water supplies in northeastern India. The concerns are not just limited to the potential reduction in water flow; the dam could also have downstream environmental consequences that affect biodiversity, local ecosystems, and flood control.
India’s response to China’s dam project has been measured. An External Affairs Ministry spokesperson reiterated India’s position that it will continue to monitor developments closely and take necessary measures to protect its interests. India has called for greater transparency and consultation with downstream countries regarding such large-scale projects. Similar concerns have arisen over Chinese dams on the Mekong and other rivers, where downstream countries have raised alarms about the impact on water availability.
All these developments point to a continuing and deepening challenge in India-China relations. The two countries have made some progress in recent years in terms of economic engagement and border management, but underlying tensions over territorial disputes, water security, and broader geopolitical concerns persist. Unilateral actions of China, like the creation of new counties and dam projects, only exacerbate mistrust and hinder efforts to establish long-term peace and stability. India must continue to be vigilant in protecting its interests while engaging China diplomatically.
