China has started building the world’s biggest hydropower megadam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, in Tibetan territory, sparking concerns from India and Bangladesh.

The project, which was unveiled on Saturday, is set to roil riparian relations. However, what if India took advantage of this opportunity to rethink water diplomacy in South Asia instead of exploding in alarm or hurrying to construct counter-dams? India should not play defence at this time. It is a chance to take the initiative and change regional dynamics by combining ecological stewardship, tough diplomacy, and the cultural resonance of the Brahmaputra.

Beijing is building a huge dam that will produce enormous power—about 300 billion kilowatt-hours a year. It’s a $167 billion project. Beijing says it will protect the environment and help the local economy. But it’s very close to India’s Arunachal Pradesh, so it’s raising some red flags.

India is worried.........

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