By Dr. Robin Hissang Tadung
Brief History of Indo-China Harsh Relationship
On 6 November 2013,Shri A.K. Anthony the then Defense Minister of Republic of India once stated in the Parliament’s debate that,“as part of India’s post independent foreign policy, not to develop border areas on Indian side but China did rapidly. Underdeveloped border is safer than developed border for nation. So, underdeveloped border area is kind of security againstenemy threat”. The Govt. of India policy towards Northeast specially the then NEFA (North East Frontier Agency present Arunachal Pradesh) was always with apprehensive approach whereas other neighboring countries specially China took advantages and constructed huge infrastructureon their own side. The Panchasheel Agreement made on 29th April 1954 signed between the then authority of two countries of India and China failed due to Dala Lama and Tibetan issue thereby China’s invaded India in 1962. After the 1962 war, the Aksai Chin area is illegally occupied by China, which is original territory of Ladakh under India. China back stabbed byinvading NEFA in 1962 by usingthe excuse of the Dalai Lama factor by crossing the Mac-mohan Line and India lost the war. Henceforth, the relationship between two countries is unpredictable, rivalry situation China considered Arunachal Pradesh as her province and even named it as Zangnan as part of South Tibet which undermines the Arunachalee’s Indian patriotism.
Under Operation Jupiter launched by India during border standoff at Doklam with China on 18June 2017, where about 270 Indian armed troops with bulldozers crossed the Sikkim border into Doklam to stop Chinese troops from constructing a road and at last, China was compelled to withdraw all their troops from constructing site on 28 August 2017 which shows new Bharat’s strength.
On 5 May 2020, Chinese and Indian troops engaged in aggressive lathi charge on each other with faceoff in disputed site in Galwan valley of Spanggur Tso and Pangong Tso lakes where heavy physical altercation took taken place in border areas. Again new Bharat robust response was showcased.
During operation Sindoor conducted from 7 to 10 May 2025 against Pakistani terrorist training centers by India created an alarming situation for Pakistan and the world. The Pakistan illegal response against India during Operation Sindoor where Chinese made drone were used against India, but Indian armed forces shot down all Pakistan’s Chinese drones, shocked the world about India’s preparedness. Chinese defense productswere exposed for their poor quality.
Water Bomb Formula: Medog Dam over YarlungTsangpo (Siang River)
The Medog Dam over YarlungTsangpo is ambitious hydropower projectby Chinese government sanctioned in 2024 in Medog county of south Tibet sidewhich is known as Siang or Brahmaputra in India and Bangladeshafter entering downstream side. The river has a dramatic Great Bend, close to the Indian borderin Medog county near Arunachal Pradesh. This location is not only strategically important but also geographically unique, with deep gorges and immense hydropower potential due to the steep drop in elevation. This dam is near the river’s Great Bend before it enters India, this mega-dam is set to become the world’s largest hydropower facility, with an estimated capacity to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually surpassing the output of the Three Gorges Dam. The 3 Gorge Dam is world’s largest Dam which is constructed over Yantgtzeriver by China in 2012 under Hubei province. In order to construct Three Gorge Dam, ten lakhs native inhabitants were displaced. The Medog Dam will produce three times more Giga Watt than the Three Gorge Dam which seem todisastrously affect India in many ways. The projectis set to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.So, due to its potential disastrous impact on downstream water flow by affecting agricultureand ecological systems is a major concern. The site is located in a seismically active zone, the dam also poses significant environmental and safety challenges, making it a focal point of geopolitical tension in the region specially for India, which can be defined as artificially created Water Bomb against downstream nation.
Possible Effects of Water Bomb Medog Hydropower Dam to India
The Medog project has sparked significant regional and international concerns. The following possible disastrouseffectsmay strike on both India and Bangladesh: -
1. Water Control by China
There is no water treaty between India and China for sharing of water from Yarlung Tsangpo or Siang River. Without having water treaty between two countries, India cannotprotest against random dam construction over Tsangpo/Siang river in any international forum to raise objection against water bomb Medog dam. China may control water flows throw this dam against India. So, the downstream countries specially India’s Arunachal Pradesh and Northeastern state of India is hilly terrain and mountainous region and depend on agricultural activities, fishing activities, forests activities, jhuming activities etc. The China will control over the river’s upper reaches could threaten their water security. The Brahmaputra is a vital source of water for agriculture, fishing, and daily use in these countries. In the absence of a binding water-sharing agreement, China’s unilateral actions raise geopolitical tensions and it is planning against Indiacontrol the water, China want to keep India submissive by adopting water bomb formula, which is a major concern for every Indian especially Arunachalee people.
2. Water Bomb Floods
The China can control the flow of the river with a Dam. In an emergency or war like situation, China may supply more heavy water to create bomb like sudden water flow thereby floods like situation in entire Siang belt of Arunachal Pradesh and even up to Brahmaputra basin of North Eastern states of India. So, India too needs to adopt proper strategies as preventive measures to counter future disastrous water bomb weapon of China.
3. Making Arunachal as Earthquake Zone
The Medog dam site is in a seismically active area prone to earthquakes and landslides. The 1950 Assam-Tibet earthquake which is also known as the Zayu-Medog earthquake It occurred on 15 August 1950 and considered as one of the strongest inland earthquakes and epicenter was located in the Zayu-Medog area. This earthquake caused significant damage and casualties in both Tibet and Northeastern states of India. That earthquake triggered landslides, blocked the Yarlung Tsangpo river which is known as Siang or Brahmaputra, and caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. It is estimated that the earthquake killed around 4,000 people; with Medog County, in the lower reach of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, being one of the most affected areas.
So, every Indian policy makerincluding people of Arunachal Pradesh need to seriously ponder over China’s water bomb weapon.
4. Ecological Disbalance in Arunachal Pradesh and Northeastern India
The Arunachal Pradesh is considered as abio-diversity hotspot in India and the region may face disruption of local ecosystemsand damage biodiversity in one of the world’s most ecologically sensitive regions. If China stops natural water flow then ecological system of Arunachal and other northeastern states may face disastrous environmental crisis. The environmental and seismic hazards are also major concerns. While China maintains that the dam will be used strictly for hydropower generation and that it will not alter the downstream flow significantly, skepticism remains high among its neighbors. The Yarlung Tsangpo Dam highlights the complex interplay of energy policy, environmental stewardship and geopolitics in South Asia.
5. Environmental Degradation
The dam's construction and operation could also have negative impacts on the environment, such as reduced water flow, altered river ecosystems, and changes in sedimentation patterns of Siang River, thereby Arunachal and other northeastern states may face huge environmental degradation.
6. Geopolitical Tensions in Southeast Asia
The Medog dam has the potential to create another geopolitical tension between India and China, particularly if water resources become a source of contention. Because, China did not take into confidence to its downstream affected countries especially India which is kind of creation of regional tensions in Southeast Asian countries.Without regional dialogue and cooperation, what could be a symbol of progress, risks becoming a source of conflict. So, every Indian especially every Arunachalees need to have feeling of patriotism towards national security by feeling of nation first.
India Defensive Approach Against China Water Bomb Tactics
India too is planning for India's Siang Upper Multipurpose Projectlocated in the Upper Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh near Siang river (major tributary of the Brahmaputra River). The Siang river is originated near Mount Kailash in Tibet as the Yarlung Tsangpo, flows eastward for over 1,000 km. It forms a horseshoe bend around Namcha Barwa peak before entering Arunachal Pradesh. In Assam, it merges with the Dibang and Lohit rivers to become the Brahmaputra.
1. Counter Dam Project Against China Water Bomb Weapon
India adopted defensive approach by sanctioned of 13.2 billion US dollars for Siang Upper Multipurpose Project to have a reservoir that can hold nine billion cubic metres of water and generate 11,000 megawatts of electricity. India has proposed building a large dam in Arunachal Pradesh to regulate the Brahmaputra river's flow and potentially offset any disruptions caused by the Medog dam. This dam would also serve as a buffer against potential water shortages or flash floods against Medog dam of Chinese government. The project was firstly proposed in 2017 and now native of Siang belt people are protesting against Pre-Feasibility Survey by advocating that around twenty (20)villageswill be submerged and nearly two dozen more villages will partly drownand willuproot thousands of residents which may cause displacement and harsh situation for livelihood. Siang Indigenous Farmer Forum is advocating that many residents of the Adi tribe in Upper Siang and Siang districts will be losing their farmlands and homes due to the proposed project. So, they are vehemently protesting against the dam.
2. Addressing Water Security
The Chinese Govt.did not consults downstream countries regarding the dam. So, experts emphasize the need for a trilateral water-sharing agreement between China, India, and Bangladesh to ensure equitable water distribution and prevent future conflicts which is the need of the hour in the region.
3. Water Scarcity and Agricultural Losses
The Brahmaputra is main source for agricultural activities and lifeline for animal, human being and other various activities in north east India. The main concerns are raised about the potential for the Medog dam to lead to water scarcity and negatively impact agriculture in downstream regions. So, India needs to plan for raising its voice regarding water scarcity and probable agricultural losses in various international fora.
Adi Tribe Contribution For Nation Building
The Adi tribe have historically sacrificed immense for country both in pre- independence and post independence era. The Adi is known for its strong and defensiveattitude with feeling of patriotism towards country. The Anglo Abor War was fought in multiple segments between the Adi tribe and British in the 1850s. Though modern weaponry of the British consistently destroyed the bamboo arrows and stone catapults of the Adi tribesmen. Earlier Adi tribesmen were known as Abors by the British. The Adis warrior fought four wars against the British, namely; Bitbor Mimak in 1858, Bongal Mimak in 1859, Nijom Mimak in 1894 and Poju Mimak in 1911. The British soon realized the capability of the Abors and set up the Abor Expeditionary Force to strategically enter and overpower the Adi belt but Matmur Jamoh of Yagrung village killed the British officer Noel Williamson at Komsing village. Another band of his followers killed Dr. Gregson at Pangi, both in East Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh on 31 March 1911 which led to the famous Anglo-Abor War of 1911. Later on, Matmur Jamoh was given life imprisonment and sent to Cellular Jail. This was the last Anglo Abor War in 1911 but Britishers realized that it is difficult to make Adi under their colonial rules. In post independent India too late Daying Ering who is known as Father of Modern Panchayaiti Raj played vital roles for brought the then NEFA into national mainstream political scenario by becoming first union minister of India by any Arunachalee and he represented Siang region of Adi tribe.
Hence, Adi tribe always have sense of strong patriotism and have attitude of nation first approach which is remarkable and inspirational for every Arunachalee.
Conclusion
The Adi tribe always stood for nation as and when necessary and dared to make sacrifices too. So, the nation has great hope on this warrior tribe to negotiate with Govt.of India to counter nation’s giant enemy i.e. China’sevil water bomb design. Now the feeling of patriotism and looking the issue from prism of nation first, is need of the hour by every Arunachalee in corollary to the proposed Siang Dam project. Hoping, Adi warrior brothers may go for one more sacrifice for national cause to counter Chinese water bomb plan and may allow Pre-Feasibility Survey which is only to evaluate whether the site is feasible to construct dam or not. As every Arunachalee knows, the Adi tribe has a history of sacrifices for national cause. This issue too is related to national security. The affected people have fundamental right for right to livelihood and issue is for their future existing, displacement, rehabilitation, compensation to all lands, natural resources compensation, etc. As everybody knows the claim of Adi brothers is rightand genuine and many may misquote/misunderstand these writings but expression of appeal or opinions is for national interest. So, the Government of India too need to understand the ground reality and local sentiments. The Government of Arunachal Pradesh as mediator between local affected nativegroups led by Siang Indigenous Farmer Forum and central govt. need to adoptsensible and careful approach for negotiation without using any physical force. All these need to be explicitly incorporated in the process of negotiation discourse. Hope both parties will move to resolve the deadlock issue through intellectual discourses, discussion, debate. If negotiation agrees for proposed Siang Dam which is a counter weapon against China Water Bomb formula, then China shall never again dare to plan against India with such ill design.
(The writer is the Principal of Govt. College Seppa in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. He can be contacted at the email address: robinhissang@gmail.com.)
