The lack of timely hydrological data from China significantly impacts India's ability to manage floods and water resources in the Brahmaputra basin. Assam, which experiences heavy monsoon rainfall, is particularly vulnerable to flooding, affecting farmers, fisherfolk, and local communities. The asymmetry in upstream-downstream information sharing creates strategic uncertainty for India, as it relies on China's cooperation for critical data. This dependence poses risks to dam safety, irrigation planning, and flood management, especially as China's hydropower projects expand. The situation underscores the need for improved cross-border water governance to mitigate risks to livelihoods and infrastructure in India's northeastern states.