Interview with Dr. Uttam Kumar Sinha, Author and Expert on Transboundary Water Issues

The Civil Services Forum had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Uttam Kumar Sinha for an interview as part of its Executive Dialogues series. Dr. Sinha is a distinguished researcher, author, and policy thinker, widely recognized for his work on transboundary water issues, climate diplomacy, and regional security. With years of experience bridging academic research and policy practice, he has contributed extensively to understanding how rivers, resources, and geopolitics intersect. In this conversation, Dr. Sinha shares insights from his research, reflects on the challenges and rewards of water diplomacy, and offers advice to aspiring scholars and writers. We also got a glimpse of the person behind the research—his thoughts on balancing life, hobbies, and the occasional curiosity that keeps his work exciting.

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Q1. During your career, what drew you specifically toward transboundary water and security? Was there a defining event or realization that made you focus your research on this?

It all began when I noticed that discussions around water were no longer limited to technical or environmental questions. It became highly influenced by politics and national security. I saw nations in South Asia begin treating rivers as instruments of diplomacy and competition in the 2000s. The Indus Basin was a key example. A treaty made to keep peace became caught in history and conflict. It showed how closely rivers connect to identity and sovereignty. That realization shaped my interest. Transboundary water represents both our greatest dependence and our biggest challenge in an era of climate stress.

Q2. When you write, do you see yourself speaking more to policymakers, scholars, or the wider public? What kind of influence do you hope your books and research leave behind?

I try to write for all three. Policymakers need solid opinions to make better decisions. Scholars need conceptual clarity and academic interaction. But the public matters too, since awareness shapes how people value water. I hope my work helps shift the focus from “water wars” to practical cooperation.  If policymakers read it and think differently, or if students find inspiration to enter this field, I consider that a meaningful contribution. For me, writing is a way to link research with the real-world challenges of governance and diplomacy.

Q3. While rivers are central to your work, what other issues in geopolitics or society excite your curiosity and research interest today?

My interests have naturally expanded because water connects to almost everything. I have been studying the geopolitics of the Arctic. Climate change is transforming boundaries, navigation routes, and the competition for resources in that region. The Arctic fascinates me because it represents the next chapter of environmental diplomacy. Beyond that, sustainability and resilience continue to shape my work; focusing on how societies adapt to energy transition, food insecurity, and environmental stress. These issues all connect to the primary question that guides my research: how can cooperation emerge in the face of shared vulnerability?

Q4. Can you share an example of a river basin where diplomacy succeeded against the odds? What factors made it work, and what lessons might South Asia take from that experience?

There are a few encouraging examples globally where diplomacy has held firm despite political strains. What’s clear is that successful treaties aren’t just papers, they grow and change through trust and conversation. The lesson for South Asia is simple: agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty need constant care, communication, and respect. Technical cooperation and institutions should be regarded as essential and not just mere formalities. They are tools for building peace. When used sincerely, they show that even challenging neighbors can find stability through shared waters.

Q5. On the other hand, why do you think water evokes such strong sensitivities in South Asia? From your perspective, what makes our region especially complex when it comes to water politics?

In South Asia, geopolitics and water politics are deeply intertwined. History, population growth, and different political systems make cooperation difficult. Rivers in this region are not simply natural resources; they are tied to culture, economy, and national identity. When a river flows across borders, it also carries history and deep emotions with it. That’s why discussions around water often involve large political interests. To make progress, we must tell apart real development needs from old mistrust and see water as a shared resource, not something to win or lose.

Q6. If you had to advise young scholars and future water diplomats, what mindset or skill would you say is most important in today’s climate of uncertainty?

I would encourage young scholars to explore ideas and themes across different fields. Water diplomacy is never only about water; it involves climate science, economics, and regional politics. Learn to think beyond rigid boundaries and build the skill to connect ideas from different areas. I often talk about “sensible hydro-politics,” meaning that while politics is inevitable, we should aim to make it helpful instead of causing division. The key skill is foresight. It means connecting today’s choices about sharing resources with long-term growth and regional stability.

Q7. Working in such an intense and high-stakes field can be mentally demanding. How do you personally maintain perspective and balance your professional commitments with family, friends, and personal life?

In any challenging job, keeping personal balance isn’t a luxury, it’s necessary to stay clear-headed and understanding. I try to set boundaries and make time for family and friends, because that allows me to return to work with patience and perspective. One needs to take a step back from the nonstop stream of world problems to protect their peace of mind. Reading, walking, and spending quiet time away from screens help me reset. Balance doesn’t mean doing less, it means being fully present, both at work and in life.

Q8. When you reflect on your journey as a researcher, author, and policy thinker, what do you consider your most fulfilling achievement so far and what goals still lie ahead for you?

What makes me happiest is seeing ideas that used to exist only in academic discussions now shaping real policies and influencing what people talk about in public. When people begin to view rivers not as dividing lines but as connectors, I feel the research has served its purpose. As for goals, I want to keep connecting research with real-world action and to help develop a generation of thinkers who consider both security and sustainability together. There is still much to do in connecting water diplomacy with climate adaptation and human development.

Q9. What advice would you give to students who are aspiring to be writers? How should they proceed?

To write well, you must first read deeply and widely. Reading across subjects builds both understanding and voice. Young writers should also develop their own style—it’s what gives writing its identity. I often tell students to review books they read. Writing reviews helps refine thought, structure arguments, and express opinion. Don’t be afraid to try new things or face criticism; both are important for learning and growing. Writing, like research, is a skill that gets better the more you practice and think about it. The more you engage with ideas, the more naturally your own voice will emerge.

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