Red Lantern Analytica has organized a virtual book discussion on the book Dr. Uttam Kumar Sinha’s “Indus Basin Uninterrupted”- A History of Territory and Politics from Alexander to Nehru on 01st September evening. The author Dr. Sinha is a distinguished fellow of Manohar Parrikar – IDSA, New Delhi. He had earlier work immensely in the area of the hydro polity. The other distinguished speaker was Dr. J Jagannathan, Senior Assistant Professor, Department of National Security Studies at the Central University of Jammu. He is an avid observer of International Security and Public Affairs with a focus on south Asia Security and Strategic issues. It was attended by young scholars from different universities and also officials, they had actively participated in the conversation with Panelists. Pintu Mahla, Researcher (Central University of Jammu) was moderator of the online discussion.
Dr. Uttam Sinha said that his book is archived research of various diaries/travelogues etc from last 4000 years up to 1960 – When Indian & Pakistan signed Indus Water Treaty (IWT). He said that his book is the book is personification /humanisation of the Indus. He shared the importance of Inheritance of Irrigation/Water management from our past. Dr. J Jagannathan appreciated the book and called it a scholarly work and first of its kind in knowing India-Pak Trans boundaries. He elaborately underlined the chapters of the book and the importance of Indus Water Treaty. He applauded author’s work as non-judgemental & devoid of any prejudice.
Dr. Uttam Kumar Sinha gave very good insights about the coercive diplomacy of China as a powerful upper riparian. He said that China controls most of the rivers flowing from Tibet. It makes China, geographically, a powerful upper riparian country. Further, he said that China can manipulate rivers as a bargaining chip or as a coercive diplomacy. They often did that from time to time. Chinese are coercive on the rivers. Dr. J. Jagannathan added that CPEC is an example of incursion or coercive policy of China. He also mentioned that Himalayas are going to be a future challenge for India.
Abhishek Ranjan, Director RLA gave vote of thanks and greeted the distinguished speakers and the participants for enriched discuss on the topic. Red Lantern Analytica is an international affairs observer group based in New Delhi.
