Dr. Praffulit Bisht is a distinguished scholar specializing in Geopolitics and Political Geography. He earned his Ph.D. and M.Phil. from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and an M.A. from the Centre for Study of Regional Development (CSRD), JNU. His academic journey began with a B.A. (H) in Geography from the University of Delhi. Dr. Bisht's exceptional academic achievements include receiving the 'University Gold Medal' for scoring the highest marks for three consecutive years at the University of Delhi and the 'Prof. Nur-ul-Hasan Scholarship' for achieving the highest C.G.P.A. in JNU's School of Social Sciences. His academic focus resides in Geopolitics and Political Geography, with notable contributions including publications in the International Journal of Environment Health Research. Recognized as a Resource Person by the CBSE Centre for Excellence (CoE), Delhi, his influence extends beyond academia. His deep interest in Climate, Meteorology, and Earth and Atmospheric Sciences underscores his multidisciplinary approach, showcasing his commitment to unveiling the intricate links between political dynamics and the natural world.
First question, Sir would you mind introducing yourselves to our gripping onlookers?
My name is Dr. Praffulit Bisht, I completed my graduation from Kirorimal College, University of Delhi. I did my post-graduation from CSRD, JNU. My M.Phil. and Ph.D. are from JNU as well. I belong to the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. I've had the privilege of coming from a place with a pristine and scenic vista that is filled with spirituality.
Could you provide some insight into your academic area of specialization and share what inspired your pursuit of it?
I was a science student till high school, so for college, I had to shift my domain to social sciences. Like any other student, I was also very confused about which subject I should choose since I had no background in the humanities. When I came to Delhi, I was advised by other students that I should look at the books of those subjects. So I skimmed through the books of many subjects like philosophy and political science, but geography fascinated me the most because of the maps. That inspired me to take up geography. Over time, Geography as a subject gave me a chance to explore the physical and social world with immense possibilities. Coming from a place with lots of natural scenic beauty allowed me to actually explore the fundamentals of the physical terrain of a space.
In your expert opinion, what are the most critical environmental challenges that pose the greatest geopolitical risks in the coming decade, and what regions or populations are most vulnerable?
For me, energy security and water are the two most critical points that would become catalysts for geopolitical conflicts in the future. The supply chain of energy is very susceptible to conflicts because countries with this resource can immediately cut off the source after a dispute. India itself is heavily dependent on foreign powers like Russia, UAE, and Venezuela for its energy imports, which becomes a sensitive link if disagreements were to arise. Second, is about water wars, water being a rapidly diminishing resource and scarcity creates tension between states to control the source. One cause for this is rapid urbanization and population growth, which is increasing the stress on limited resources. India itself has many states fighting for water because of low per capita water availability for its people, like Punjab and Haryana fighting for the release of water. That according to me are the main causes of geopolitical conflicts in the future.
In what ways does climate change exacerbate existing geopolitical tensions or create entirely new ones?
Opinions on climate change are divided into two lines, one being that it is a natural process that is cyclic in nature, and the other half believes that anthropogenic over-involvement in natural processes is disrupting the gaseous nature of the atmosphere. Human activities have sped up the rate of climate change to extremes whose effect is visible in extreme weather events.
Many conflicts are resource-driven. How can a deep understanding of political geography helps in preventing and resolving these resource conflicts?
There are linkages between resources, resource mismatch, demands and aspirations of the population. When those expectations are not met, that creates stress for the control of the diminishing resources. The way of expression may not necessarily be revolts or riots. The tension can be expressed through words. In this situation, we as students and researchers can deliberate, discuss, and write. These interactions create awareness in society. When these students become stakeholders in various forms, they can make an impact. A teacher has the responsibility of guiding students in identifying geopolitical tensions.
How can India balance its urgent development needs with the imperative of environmental sustainability and a lower carbon footprint?
We are one of the fastest growing countries in terms of population. India, currently the most populous country in the world, is in dire need of infrastructure development, be it health, education, housing, energy, etc. India is taking many conscious steps towards environment sustainability like limiting its imports, and substitutes like biofuels are encouraged at large scale. Another example would be ethanol blending in petroleum, which has become a movement throughout the nation. Infrastructural improvement is also being pursued, which will allow efficient resource expenditure. India also started the National Solar Alliance in 2018 to generate 1000 GW of energy from solar panels. The country is also investing heavily in the renewable energy sector.
If you could map out the environmental vulnerabilities and geopolitical fault lines in South Asia, where would the biggest potential flashpoints be, and how is India involved?
21st century conflicts are primarily because of resources. Water is the immediate focal point of these disputes. India is in disagreement with all of its neighbours over water rights. Pakistan recently took India to international forums about revision of the Indus Water Treaty, 1960. India is involved with Nepal in tensions regarding water distribution of the Teesta river, the Kalapani area, and the Kali river, which are vulnerable flashpoints of possible geopolitical conflicts. India and China are in conflict over the Brahmaputra river. India and Bangladesh are in disagreements with barrages on Ganga river. Climate-induced migration, or climate refugees, has become a major flashpoint for South and Southeastern Asia. In 2022, for example, disasters triggered a record 32.6 million internal displacements of people across the world.
Looking ahead, how does India's position on the global stage influence its ability to address its own environmental challenges? Does it have enough leverage, or is it constrained by global power dynamics?
India is emerging as a major power in the global order because of its economic prowess and its huge population base, which serves as potential markets for many nations across the world. This provides the country leverage over other countries, as they would willingly not initiate any dispute. But with the coming up of President Trump, things are naturally going to change in the world order. I believe that our country is moving in the right direction to secure its interests and position in the world order. The foreign policy has become more ‘realistic’ in a sense with accommodating mutual benefits and responsibilities. Obviously, the growth will face resistance from established powers like China, which would not willingly acknowledge the growing prowess of the nation.
Any advice you would like to offer to students aspiring to careers that bridge the fields of geopolitics and environmental science, and what skills or knowledge are most essential for success in this interdisciplinary domain?
I can recommend two lines that students can pursue. One is becoming a diplomat in the country’s administration where you have the authority to make decisions that leave an impact. The awareness about global environmental or societal concerns will help you in making more informed decisions while weighing all stakeholders. The second involves students in the society at a realistic level where you can become a scientist, activist, researcher, author, influencer, etc. and spread awareness about global environmental issues. That's what I would ask my students to pursue, to become an informed citizen of the nation and make a difference. For academics, students can pursue sustainability, environment studies, climate change mitigation etc. Many international organisations like the UNO take up interns who are willing to make their contribution to the path of sustainable development.
Lastly, sir, do you love plants, and if you were to build a garden of your own, what plants would you choose and why?
I am not very good at botany; luckily, my wife is a botanist, so she usually takes care of the plants in my house. I have snake plant and Tulsi in my house and a few creepers like money plant. There are few shrub flower plants at home. I would love to have a kitchen garden someday. Back in Dehradun, we had a large garden with lots of plants, and I used to water them as a child.
Credits:
Interviewed by: Simran Poonia (MHV Editorial Team Volunteer) and Anjali Haritwal (Vice-President, MHV)
Edited by: Simran Poonia (Editorial Team Volunteers)
Picture credit: Gurmeet (MHV Social Media Team Volunteer)
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