Transboundary Water Conflicts on the Brahmaputra: Geopolitical Risks and Regional Implications for South Asia

Abstract

This research paper explores the transboundary water conflicts surrounding the Brahmaputra River, a major lifeline for South Asia. The river’s shared course across China, India, and Bangladesh has created a complex matrix of geopolitical tensions, environmental concerns, and socio-economic dependencies. The study examines the implications of China’s dam construction and hydroelectric initiatives on the Yarlung Tsangpo, which directly affect the river’s downstream flow into India and Bangladesh. Employing qualitative, analytical, and field-based methodologies, the paper analyses the intersection of hydro politics and regional security, focusing on the failures of past Indian governmental approaches, the inadequacy of bilateral agreements, and the potential for cooperative frameworks. Through survey findings and field observations conducted in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Bangladesh, the study identifies local perceptions of ecological and livelihood risks. The paper concludes that equitable water governance and trust-based data sharing are indispensable for transforming the Brahmaputra from a source of conflict into a platform for regional collaboration.