A senior US official said that US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s upcoming visit to India will discuss the impact of Chinese dams. Sullivan is scheduled to visit New Delhi from January 5 to 6. The British news agency Reuters reported this news.
Washington and its Western allies have long viewed India as an important partner in countering China’s growing influence in Asia and beyond.
Before Sullivan’s visit, a US official said that Chinese dams in many parts of the Indo-Pacific region, especially in the Mekong region, could have harmful effects on downstream countries, both in terms of the environment and climate. These issues will be discussed with the Indian representatives.
The Indian government has expressed concern over China’s hydropower project on the Yalong Zangbo River in Tibet. The river flows through India. But Chinese officials say their hydropower project in Tibet will not have a significant impact on the environment or water supplies of downstream countries.
Last month, China agreed to build the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. This dam will have the capacity to generate 300 billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually.
The US official also said that Washington would discuss New Delhi’s concerns in detail during the visit.
India is increasingly concerned about this Chinese project. Experts say this could have long-term impacts on water flow and the environment in low-lying Indian waters.