National News: India's tough stand on the Indus Water Treaty and the strategic edge of 'Operation Sindoor' have given a new face to Pakistan's restlessness. Now Islamabad is trying to put psychological pressure on India under the guise of China. Recently, a special advisor to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif warned India that if Indus water is stopped, then China can also stop the water of Brahmaputra. This statement is now taking the water diplomacy in South Asia to a new boiling point.
Pakistan's panic, China's shadow
India is on the upstream in the Indus River system, and its control over Pakistan gives it a strategic advantage. Pakistan is afraid of this situation. But now it is trying to show India's geographical position as weak in the context of the Brahmaputra River, because here the upstream is with China.
It is true that China is building the world's largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) in Tibet. The project costs more than $137 billion and is located just a few kilometers from the Indian border. Beijing's move could pose a threat not only to the environment but also to India's water security.
India's response: Shield of 'Siang Project'
India has already started counter preparations, sensing this threat. Work on a huge hydroelectric dam project in the Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh has been expedited. The water storage capacity of this dam will be 9.2 billion cubic meters—which will be able to neutralize the threat of China's possible release of water.
This dam is not only a strategic shield but also a big step towards India's water independence. The work of study and site inspection has started. Experts believe that this project will enable India to respond to any water war attempt by China.
Balanced message from Assam
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has rejected Pakistan's statement of 'fear of China' and said that Brahmaputra is India's rain-fed river system. China contributes only 30-35% of the water, while 65-70% of the water comes from monsoon and tributary rivers falling in India. He clearly said that even if China stops water, it can reduce India's flood problem.
Water is no longer just life; it is also a strategy
This development makes it clear that water is no longer just a source of life but has also become a strategic and political weapon. India has given the message that now it will handle water not just with patience, but from a strategic point of view. Pakistan is actually worried about this new India, which will no longer remain silent even on water.
