Following China’s announcement of the Motuo hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung-Brahmaputra, concerns have emerged in India over potential downstream impacts. Amid rising tensions, Dr. Aaron Wolf, Co-Director of the Program in Water Conflict Management and Transformation, highlights a historical trend of cooperation on shared rivers.
Drawing on the Transboundary Freshwater Diplomacy Database, which analyzes over 800 international water treaties, Dr. Wolf notes that countries have typically resolved disputes through agreements rather than armed conflict. While China and India lack a formal water-sharing treaty, past instances of informal cooperation—such as data sharing and early warning systems—suggest avenues for continued dialogue.
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