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India has raised significant concerns over China’s move to construct a massive hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet.

Getting into it: The new dam, which officially began construction on July 19 near the city of Nyingchi in southeastern Tibet, is set to become the world’s largest hydroelectric facility. Located on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River, the project will consist of five massive cascade hydropower stations. According to Chinese state media, the dam is expected to generate over 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, nearly three times the output of the existing Three Gorges Dam. The project will also cost around $167 billion, making it one of the most expensive infrastructure ventures in the world.

Premier Li Qiang, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony, called it a “project of the century” and said that it would help reduce China’s dependence on fossil fuels while also creating jobs and strengthening the power supply across the country. Officials also insist that the project has undergone scientific evaluation to ensure minimal environmental impact and claim it will not negatively affect downstream countries. They have also pledged that ecological protection will be prioritized and that communication with neighboring nations will continue.

Despite these assurances, India has voiced strong opposition to the project, citing concerns over its potential to disrupt the flow of the Brahmaputra River, which supports the livelihoods of millions in India’s northeastern states and Bangladesh. Indian officials fear that the dam could lead to floods, droughts, or even be weaponized in times of conflict, especially given its proximity (just 18 miles from the contentious India-China border.