CutTheClutter: A bend in Brahmaputra deeper than Grand Canyon, weaponisation of water & Chinese challenge for India

China’s plan to build the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River aims to generate 60 gigawatts of power but raises environmental and geopolitical concerns. Originating near Mansarovar, the river flows through China, India, and Bangladesh, with its Great Bend offering ideal hydroelectric conditions. However, disruptions to the river’s flow threaten agriculture, water supply, and ecosystems in India and Bangladesh, risking livelihoods and increasing regional tensions. While framed as part of China’s carbon-neutral goals, the project may redefine regional and geopolitical dynamics. Shekhar Gupta explains in episode 1585 of Cut the Clutter.Read Neely Haby's paper 'The geopolitics of water: how the Brahmaputra River could shape India–China security competition' : https://www.aspi.org.au/report/geopolitics-water-how-brahmaputra-river-could-shape-india-china-security-competitionRead Ramaswamy R Iyer's 'India-China-Brahmaputra Suggestions for an Approach': https://www.epw.in/journal/2015/9/commentary/india-china-brahmaputra.htmlRead 'China's Upstream Advantage in the Great Himalayan Watershed' by Robert Batten, Jennifer L. Turner, and Susan Chan Shifflett: https://www.nbr.org/publication/chinas-upstream-advantage-in-the-great-himalayan-watershed/Read 'China’s new super-dam carries both geopolitical and environmental risks' by Brahma Chellaney: https://thehill.com/opinion/energy-environment/5068380-chinas-new-super-dam-carries-both-geopolitical-and-environmental-risks/Assam government website on the Brahmaputra Valley system: https://waterresources.assam.gov.in/portlet-innerpage/brahmaputra-river-system