Riparian Neighbours

The geopolitical landscape of water sharing between India and China is complex and layered, shaped by their roles as riparian neighbours and stewards of a substantial portion of Asia's transboundary freshwater systems. The two countries are linked by three major river basins, the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna, the Indus, and the Irrawaddy, each of which plays a critical role in regional hydrology, ecology, and livelihoods. Despite their mutual dependence on these shared watercourses, the absence of a formal treaty or institutionalized regulatory framework has created a fragile equilibrium, where episodes of cooperation are often overshadowed by tensions over access and control. Since the Doklam standoff in 2017, bilateral relations have been further strained by China's limited transparency in sharing hydrological data with India, exacerbating mistrust and complicating joint water governance. Environmental stressors, including glacial retreat driven by climate change, erratic monsoon patterns, and extreme weather events, are poised to intensify competition over these transboundary rivers, posing significant risks to future water security. These challenges underscore the urgent need for cooperative mechanisms that can address shared vulnerabilities and promote sustainable management. This chapter employs a qualitative methodology to examine the legal, environmental, and geopolitical dimensions of India–China transboundary water relations, drawing on international law frameworks and existing literature. The findings emphasize the critical importance of establishing robust data-sharing protocols and institutional cooperation. A key recommendation is the development of a bilateral water-sharing agreement that fosters transparency, reduces conflict potential, and strengthens resilience across shared river basins.