- Originating in Tibet, the Brahmaputra is considered among the major rivers in the three countries it flows through – China, India, and Bangladesh.
- India and China had originally signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) concerning the river in 2002, which through renewals, continues till date.
- As per the MoU, China provides hydrological data to India every year during a fixed period from May 15 to October 15.
- Hydrological data consists of aspects like water level, precipitation, discharge, and overall water quality.
- The data plays a vital role in charting adequate flood prevention measures in India and Bangladesh.
- After the 73-day Doklam stand-off between the two Asian giants in 2017, China had stopped providing data to India.
- Though China attributed this to the upgradation of its systems, Bangladesh continued to receive data.
- Tensions seemed to subside when the two nations held talks on trans-border river cooperation earlier in March this year.
- Post the commencement of talks, China promised to provide hydrological data to India again.
Also read: China to use Taiwan as base to isolate India, Japan: US lawmaker
