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Anger Management: The Troubled Diplomatic Relationship between India and Pakistan
On 7 August 2019, High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria was expelled from Islamabad, the first time an Indian head of mission had been asked to leave by Pakistan. His expulsion marked yet another low in the troubled relationship between the two neighbours who had been born within a day of each other in 1947. The latest diplomatic row followed the dismantling of Article 370 in the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir, but the hostility had been ratcheting up for a while, with the Pakistani terror attack in Pulwama, followed by the Indian airstrikes on terrorists in Balakot, and the grandstanding Pakistan engaged in over the return of a captured Indian Air Force pilot, Abhinandan Varthaman. This book looks in eye-opening detail at all these incidents that took place while the author was India’s top diplomat in Pakistan, including blunders by Imran Khan, the then Pakistani prime minister, and parleys engaged in by the powerful head of the Pakistani army, General Qamar Bajwa. He also describes his interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, and key members of the Indian establishment as they dealt with the multiple crises that took place during that time. After providing readers with a gripping account of the events he was witness to, the author goes deep into the conflict and tension that have characterized the connection between the countries. He looks at this fractious history from a unique perspective, that of Indian diplomats who have served in Pakistan from Independence onwards. These were the people responsible for managing the situation on the ground, even as the actions of prime ministers, presidents, and generals made the news headlines. India’s envoys were expected to deal with all manner of occurrences from routine matters to rather more taxing things such as dealing with dictators, engaging in backchannel talks with their counterparts and other Pakistani officials (accounts of which have only recently been declassified) when ties were strained, dodging spies, and even on occasion having to endure verbal and physical abuse from thugs and the Pakistani intelligence services. Equally, for all the stresses they had to endure, the warmth and friendship they received from ordinary Pakistanis made many of them hope that one day the cantankerousness and bloodshed that blighted Indo- Pak ties would be replaced by normalcy, if not enduring bonds of warmth and amity. The stories about what these diplomats were able to do during their time in Pakistan provide the reader with fresh insights into most of the pivotal moments in the relationship—especially Partition, the 1948 Pakistani offensive that was stopped in its tracks by the prompt action of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and the even bigger wars of 1965 (ably handled by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri), 1971 (in which Prime Minister Indira Gandhi won a resounding victory), and 1999 (where the Pakistani intruders were repulsed by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s decisive leadership). The book throws fresh light on terrorism in Kashmir, the skirmishes across the Line of Control, the attacks by Pakistani terrorists in Mumbai, and the assault on the Indian parliament. Further, the book covers the few initiatives that sought to resolve the perennial state of strife and suspicion between the neighbours—the Simla Accord of July 1972, Vajpayee’s historic bus journey to Lahore in 1999, the Agra Summit of 2001, and other short-lived attempts to make new beginnings. Besides his in-depth analysis of history and current events, the author offers a reasoned plan of how India and Pakistan might be able to arrive at a lasting peace. Masterfully blending scholarship, telling revelations, memoir, and history, Anger Management is a remarkable study of the diplomatic engagement between India and Pakistan.
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Published January 10, 2024
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February 24, 2024
The enduring hostility between India and Pakistan, initiated by the partition in 1947 followed by traumatic violence, and marked by four conventional wars, the bifurcation of Pakistan, proxy sub conventional wars in Kashmir and Punjab, nuclear tests, acts of terrorism, and surgical strikes, has become a seemingly permanent fixture in South Asian geopolitics. The relationship has oscillated between cautious optimism and intense hostility, yet it has consistently deteriorated over the decades. Despite the long history of these two nations, a lasting resolution seems as elusive as it was at the outset in 1947.
To an outsider, the protracted India-Pakistan diplomatic stalemate may seem intractable, a perpetual case study in failed diplomacy. For those less invested, it's a narrative to bypass in favour of more hopeful news. However, for the 25 Indian High Commissioners to Pakistan, even in the most trying times detachment has not been an option. These diplomatic stalwarts have been at the coalface of Indo-Pak relations.
Bisaria’s recently published book "Anger Management" offers an insider's perspective, chronicling the endeavours and intricacies of diplomatic engagement with Pakistan. The author himself was the Indian HC to Pakistan from 2017-2020.
One might wonder if Bisaria’s narrative can shed new light on a subject already thoroughly dissected in public discourse. The answer is a resounding yes. Bisaria successfully brings to the fore elements that merit re-examination in light of shifting political and economic landscapes within both nations and the changing dynamics of regional and global politics.
The book delves into India's policy-making decisions, underscoring a general consensus on the nature of the issues at hand but highlighting the divergent approaches recommended by various interlocutors, influenced by their unique experiences and beliefs. The proposed strategies have spanned a wide spectrum—from the early, somewhat naïve suggestion by India’s first High Commissioner, Sri Prakasa, to consider ceding Kashmir to Pakistan (he was promptly pulled up by Nehru for this), to the more aggressive stance advocated by HC Satish Chandra, which included imposing punitive measures against Pakistan, such as passing a resolution in Parliament declaring Pakistan as a Terrorist State. Some others have prescribed actions which could be labelled more centrist or nuanced. Bisaria himself advocates for a “structured dialogue”, a sustained engagement directly with the Pakistani army, combined with "a disproportionately strong active defence" against any terrorist action emanating from Pakistani soil.
Bisaria navigates through the differing stances of various Indian Prime Ministers, particularly Nehru, Narasimha Rao, Vajpayee, and Modi. Each leader's approach was shaped by past events, their individual assessments, and the specific geopolitical context of their tenures. The approaches from the Pakistani leaders, while being centred around the primacy of Kashmir issue were also dictated by their fluctuating and often unstable hold on political power internally. The self interests of US and China in the region have directly and indirectly influenced the course of events, particularly on the Pakistani side.
After detailing the chronology of diplomatic ties, Bisaria presents the nuanced lessons history has imparted, albeit often ambiguously.
The book explores the breadth of engagement strategies debated by analysts, ranging from security, trade and economics, people-to-people ties, the sanctity of the Line of Control (LOC), and the risks of crossing the nuclear threshold.
A lesser-appreciated yet significant aspect highlighted in the book is the peril faced by diplomats and their families stationed in Pakistan. Accounts of physical violence, firebombs, cars being set alight, stone-throwing, mental and vocal harassment, abductions, and other threats to personal safety punctuate the narrative, underscoring the serious risks involved in diplomatic service in inimical countries, often with little more than the 'paper shield' of the Vienna Convention for protection. Bisaria himself faced expulsion from Islamabad in 2019 amidst escalating tensions.
The book is remarkably accessible, written in clear, engaging prose. It maintains focus on diplomatic history, steering clear of well-trodden topics and maintaining an objective, measured tone—providing a refreshing departure from the often sensationalist mainstream and social media discourse.
Bisaria’s talent for writing is evident; his career in diplomacy has been complemented by his skill as an author.
At a recent chance encounter with Bisaria, I half-jokingly suggested that his subsequent experiences as High Commissioner to Canada—where he found himself handling a diplomatic ruckus, following allegations by the Canadian PM linking India to the assassination of a Sikh separatist—might provide rich material for a similar book on the Khalistan issue. He quipped wittily, that if he ever did that, 'Anger Management' would be an equally fitting title for such a book.
This book comes highly recommended for anyone interested in the complex web of Indo-Pak relations.
(For the sake of readability of this review, I have taken the liberty of discarding convention, by referring to the author by only his surname rather than prefixing his name with “High Commissioner” or “Ambassador” or the honorific “His Excellency” – No disrespect is implied or intended.)
To an outsider, the protracted India-Pakistan diplomatic stalemate may seem intractable, a perpetual case study in failed diplomacy. For those less invested, it's a narrative to bypass in favour of more hopeful news. However, for the 25 Indian High Commissioners to Pakistan, even in the most trying times detachment has not been an option. These diplomatic stalwarts have been at the coalface of Indo-Pak relations.
Bisaria’s recently published book "Anger Management" offers an insider's perspective, chronicling the endeavours and intricacies of diplomatic engagement with Pakistan. The author himself was the Indian HC to Pakistan from 2017-2020.
One might wonder if Bisaria’s narrative can shed new light on a subject already thoroughly dissected in public discourse. The answer is a resounding yes. Bisaria successfully brings to the fore elements that merit re-examination in light of shifting political and economic landscapes within both nations and the changing dynamics of regional and global politics.
The book delves into India's policy-making decisions, underscoring a general consensus on the nature of the issues at hand but highlighting the divergent approaches recommended by various interlocutors, influenced by their unique experiences and beliefs. The proposed strategies have spanned a wide spectrum—from the early, somewhat naïve suggestion by India’s first High Commissioner, Sri Prakasa, to consider ceding Kashmir to Pakistan (he was promptly pulled up by Nehru for this), to the more aggressive stance advocated by HC Satish Chandra, which included imposing punitive measures against Pakistan, such as passing a resolution in Parliament declaring Pakistan as a Terrorist State. Some others have prescribed actions which could be labelled more centrist or nuanced. Bisaria himself advocates for a “structured dialogue”, a sustained engagement directly with the Pakistani army, combined with "a disproportionately strong active defence" against any terrorist action emanating from Pakistani soil.
Bisaria navigates through the differing stances of various Indian Prime Ministers, particularly Nehru, Narasimha Rao, Vajpayee, and Modi. Each leader's approach was shaped by past events, their individual assessments, and the specific geopolitical context of their tenures. The approaches from the Pakistani leaders, while being centred around the primacy of Kashmir issue were also dictated by their fluctuating and often unstable hold on political power internally. The self interests of US and China in the region have directly and indirectly influenced the course of events, particularly on the Pakistani side.
After detailing the chronology of diplomatic ties, Bisaria presents the nuanced lessons history has imparted, albeit often ambiguously.
The book explores the breadth of engagement strategies debated by analysts, ranging from security, trade and economics, people-to-people ties, the sanctity of the Line of Control (LOC), and the risks of crossing the nuclear threshold.
A lesser-appreciated yet significant aspect highlighted in the book is the peril faced by diplomats and their families stationed in Pakistan. Accounts of physical violence, firebombs, cars being set alight, stone-throwing, mental and vocal harassment, abductions, and other threats to personal safety punctuate the narrative, underscoring the serious risks involved in diplomatic service in inimical countries, often with little more than the 'paper shield' of the Vienna Convention for protection. Bisaria himself faced expulsion from Islamabad in 2019 amidst escalating tensions.
The book is remarkably accessible, written in clear, engaging prose. It maintains focus on diplomatic history, steering clear of well-trodden topics and maintaining an objective, measured tone—providing a refreshing departure from the often sensationalist mainstream and social media discourse.
Bisaria’s talent for writing is evident; his career in diplomacy has been complemented by his skill as an author.
At a recent chance encounter with Bisaria, I half-jokingly suggested that his subsequent experiences as High Commissioner to Canada—where he found himself handling a diplomatic ruckus, following allegations by the Canadian PM linking India to the assassination of a Sikh separatist—might provide rich material for a similar book on the Khalistan issue. He quipped wittily, that if he ever did that, 'Anger Management' would be an equally fitting title for such a book.
This book comes highly recommended for anyone interested in the complex web of Indo-Pak relations.
(For the sake of readability of this review, I have taken the liberty of discarding convention, by referring to the author by only his surname rather than prefixing his name with “High Commissioner” or “Ambassador” or the honorific “His Excellency” – No disrespect is implied or intended.)
March 29, 2024
A gripping account of Indo-Pak relations from a diplomat’s lens. Unbiased and with no political overtones, the book is indeed a compelling read.
January 28, 2024
This is a great book as it views the events from the eyes of a diplomat.
The near demarcation of India-Pak relations in a temporal frame of ten years really makes sense if one looks at it closely. The author is clearly presenting the seminal events from a diplomatic point of view. By placing the diplomats at the center stage of events, we are able to assess the utter chaos that these people have had to navigate during the tumultuous partition or the various wars.
I was not really expecting a book on Indo-Pak history to keep me captivated as I thought I will get to learn only some minor new information. But this book really did surprise me.
The near demarcation of India-Pak relations in a temporal frame of ten years really makes sense if one looks at it closely. The author is clearly presenting the seminal events from a diplomatic point of view. By placing the diplomats at the center stage of events, we are able to assess the utter chaos that these people have had to navigate during the tumultuous partition or the various wars.
I was not really expecting a book on Indo-Pak history to keep me captivated as I thought I will get to learn only some minor new information. But this book really did surprise me.
February 13, 2024
Yet another book that I would recommend for anyone interested in the history of India-Pakistan relations. Well-researched, the book provides good insights into the dynamics of the relationship especially till the 1st decade of the current century. The author had been a direct participant both as an observer and analyst and as a player due to his professional career. He was witness to many momentous events.
For the latter half of the second decade of the current century, he was Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan. He provides the perspective of events from the viewpoint of an Indian diplomat. There could be alternate perspectives especially from the viewpoint of his counterparts across the border. As they say, in history, one acquires a dispassionate perspective only with passage of time. Nevertheless, this book is an important addition to India-Pakistan scholarship.
For the latter half of the second decade of the current century, he was Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan. He provides the perspective of events from the viewpoint of an Indian diplomat. There could be alternate perspectives especially from the viewpoint of his counterparts across the border. As they say, in history, one acquires a dispassionate perspective only with passage of time. Nevertheless, this book is an important addition to India-Pakistan scholarship.
June 25, 2025
#NonFiction
#BookWorm
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: "𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭" by 𝐀𝐣𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚
Ajay Bisaria’s Anger Management offers an in-depth exploration of the fraught and often volatile diplomatic relationship between India and Pakistan. With a career spanning over three decades in India’s Foreign Service, Bisaria served as India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan from 2017 to 2020. The book is divided into eight decades, each discussing significant military events and diplomatic efforts that have shaped the bilateral ties between the two nations.
𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
1. 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟕-𝟏𝟗𝟓𝟕: The partition and the 1948 war, followed by the Nehru-Liaquat Pact in 1950, which laid the foundation for some diplomatic progress.
2. 𝟏𝟗𝟓𝟕-𝟏𝟗𝟔𝟕: The 1965 war after Ayub Khan’s coup, along with the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) and the Tashkent Agreement (1966).
3. 𝟏𝟗𝟔𝟕-𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟕: The creation of Bangladesh and the 1971 war, which ultimately led to the Shimla Agreement.
4. 𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟕-𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟕: The insurgency in Punjab, marked by Operation Bluestar and Zia’s diplomatic visit to India.
5. 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟕-𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟕: The Kashmir insurgency, the Mumbai serial blasts (1993), and the proxy war in Kashmir, with attempts at diplomatic dialogue.
6. 𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟕-𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟕: Nuclear tests, the Kargil conflict, and significant diplomatic initiatives such as the Lahore summit (1999), Agra summit (2001), and Islamabad (2004).
7. 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟕-𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟕: The 2008 Mumbai attacks, followed by military actions like the Uri Surgical Strikes (2016), and diplomatic summits including Modi’s trip to Lahore in 2015.
8. 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟕-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑: Events such as Pulwama (2019), the revocation of Article 370, and military action in Balakot (2019) alongside the capture of Abhinandan.
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
While the book offers a thorough account of the diplomatic ups and downs between India and Pakistan, it also presents a noticeable bias, reflecting the author’s perspective as a senior Indian diplomat. A few key observations stood out:
1. The forced accession of Hyderabad in 1948 is justified in the book, while the capture of Junagarh and Kashmir is depicted differently, with the complexities of these events potentially being oversimplified.
2. The Samjhauta Express bombing in 2007 is addressed briefly, with the involvement of Hindu extremists not fully discussed, which could have added a more balanced perspective.
3. Key events like the Sharm el-Sheikh summit and the Balochistan dossier are omitted, leaving out critical diplomatic dialogues that would provide a more holistic view of bilateral relations.
4. There is no mention of Kulbhushan Jadhav’s espionage activities, which have been central to Pakistan-India tensions in recent years.
5. The book presents a portrayal of Pakistan’s leadership and its actions that feels more critical and harsh, particularly when it comes to belligerent statements by Indian leaders. This focus on aggressive rhetoric detracts from the overall relationship and may skew the portrayal of Pakistan’s role in these diplomatic efforts.
Despite these critiques, Anger Management provides valuable insights into the India-Pakistan relationship from a strategic standpoint. However, the bias in certain sections of the book raises questions about the full complexity of the historical and diplomatic context.
A thought-provoking read, but one that would benefit from a more balanced perspective on both countries’ diplomatic actions and leadership dynamics.
#IndiaPakistanRelations
#Thanks
#BookWorm
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: "𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭" by 𝐀𝐣𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚
Ajay Bisaria’s Anger Management offers an in-depth exploration of the fraught and often volatile diplomatic relationship between India and Pakistan. With a career spanning over three decades in India’s Foreign Service, Bisaria served as India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan from 2017 to 2020. The book is divided into eight decades, each discussing significant military events and diplomatic efforts that have shaped the bilateral ties between the two nations.
𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
1. 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟕-𝟏𝟗𝟓𝟕: The partition and the 1948 war, followed by the Nehru-Liaquat Pact in 1950, which laid the foundation for some diplomatic progress.
2. 𝟏𝟗𝟓𝟕-𝟏𝟗𝟔𝟕: The 1965 war after Ayub Khan’s coup, along with the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) and the Tashkent Agreement (1966).
3. 𝟏𝟗𝟔𝟕-𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟕: The creation of Bangladesh and the 1971 war, which ultimately led to the Shimla Agreement.
4. 𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟕-𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟕: The insurgency in Punjab, marked by Operation Bluestar and Zia’s diplomatic visit to India.
5. 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟕-𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟕: The Kashmir insurgency, the Mumbai serial blasts (1993), and the proxy war in Kashmir, with attempts at diplomatic dialogue.
6. 𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟕-𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟕: Nuclear tests, the Kargil conflict, and significant diplomatic initiatives such as the Lahore summit (1999), Agra summit (2001), and Islamabad (2004).
7. 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟕-𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟕: The 2008 Mumbai attacks, followed by military actions like the Uri Surgical Strikes (2016), and diplomatic summits including Modi’s trip to Lahore in 2015.
8. 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟕-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑: Events such as Pulwama (2019), the revocation of Article 370, and military action in Balakot (2019) alongside the capture of Abhinandan.
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
While the book offers a thorough account of the diplomatic ups and downs between India and Pakistan, it also presents a noticeable bias, reflecting the author’s perspective as a senior Indian diplomat. A few key observations stood out:
1. The forced accession of Hyderabad in 1948 is justified in the book, while the capture of Junagarh and Kashmir is depicted differently, with the complexities of these events potentially being oversimplified.
2. The Samjhauta Express bombing in 2007 is addressed briefly, with the involvement of Hindu extremists not fully discussed, which could have added a more balanced perspective.
3. Key events like the Sharm el-Sheikh summit and the Balochistan dossier are omitted, leaving out critical diplomatic dialogues that would provide a more holistic view of bilateral relations.
4. There is no mention of Kulbhushan Jadhav’s espionage activities, which have been central to Pakistan-India tensions in recent years.
5. The book presents a portrayal of Pakistan’s leadership and its actions that feels more critical and harsh, particularly when it comes to belligerent statements by Indian leaders. This focus on aggressive rhetoric detracts from the overall relationship and may skew the portrayal of Pakistan’s role in these diplomatic efforts.
Despite these critiques, Anger Management provides valuable insights into the India-Pakistan relationship from a strategic standpoint. However, the bias in certain sections of the book raises questions about the full complexity of the historical and diplomatic context.
A thought-provoking read, but one that would benefit from a more balanced perspective on both countries’ diplomatic actions and leadership dynamics.
#IndiaPakistanRelations
#Thanks
November 21, 2024
Ajay Bisaria’s Anger Management offers an in-depth analysis of one of the world's most complex & volatile bilateral relationships - India & Pakistan. With years of diplomatic experience, including as a former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Bisaria’s insights carry a sense of immediacy & authority. The whole theme of the book is to placed diplomats in the center stage, with the larger of events playing in the background thus enlightening the read with rare glimpse of behind-the-scenes perspective as the history unfolds.
The book is organized into sections by decades, from the Partition(1947) to recent time(2024). Each section, "explores the journey of Indo–Pak diplomacy since Independence, examining the seminal events of each decade, the military actions, the diplomatic highs & lows" (P. xxvi) focusing on themes such as identity, security, territory, & global influences.
The book doesn't just recount events but also evaluates possible ways forward, advocating for policies that emphasize trust-building & open dialogue's with punitive punishment for misconduct. Bisaria underscores the importance of diplomatic creativity, empathy, & clear understanding of mutual stakes in any roadmap to de-escalation. But as I read, I realize how Indian diplomats succumb to Pakistanis diplomatic high handiness be it in Tashkent when Bajpai gives up heights captured for nothing in return or Indira falling pray for Butto even with 90k surrendered soldiers or even today accepting peace offer from Pakistan even knowing very well "Pakistan’s tendency across the decades has been to talk to India either when it senses acute weakness or its opposite—overwhelming strength. The Pakistan army’s tactical instinct was to gain military advantage on the ‘core’ Kashmir issue when India was relatively weak or to prevent a dilution of the Kashmir cause when India was relatively strong" (p. 84)
While the title Anger Management highlights diplomats should manage anger with Pakistan as part of statesmanship. However, I feel, readers may need to manage their frustration at India’s ineffective, indecisive policies paralysis toward Pakistan until 2019
The book is organized into sections by decades, from the Partition(1947) to recent time(2024). Each section, "explores the journey of Indo–Pak diplomacy since Independence, examining the seminal events of each decade, the military actions, the diplomatic highs & lows" (P. xxvi) focusing on themes such as identity, security, territory, & global influences.
The book doesn't just recount events but also evaluates possible ways forward, advocating for policies that emphasize trust-building & open dialogue's with punitive punishment for misconduct. Bisaria underscores the importance of diplomatic creativity, empathy, & clear understanding of mutual stakes in any roadmap to de-escalation. But as I read, I realize how Indian diplomats succumb to Pakistanis diplomatic high handiness be it in Tashkent when Bajpai gives up heights captured for nothing in return or Indira falling pray for Butto even with 90k surrendered soldiers or even today accepting peace offer from Pakistan even knowing very well "Pakistan’s tendency across the decades has been to talk to India either when it senses acute weakness or its opposite—overwhelming strength. The Pakistan army’s tactical instinct was to gain military advantage on the ‘core’ Kashmir issue when India was relatively weak or to prevent a dilution of the Kashmir cause when India was relatively strong" (p. 84)
While the title Anger Management highlights diplomats should manage anger with Pakistan as part of statesmanship. However, I feel, readers may need to manage their frustration at India’s ineffective, indecisive policies paralysis toward Pakistan until 2019
April 11, 2024
"Anger Management: The Troubled Diplomatic Relationship among India and Pakistan" by Ajay Bisaria
• Explores the turbulent relationship between India and Pakistan, marked by events like the URI incident, surgical strikes, the Pulwama Attack, and the withdrawal of Article 370.
• Provides a detailed analysis of Bisaria's tenure as India's top diplomat in Pakistan, highlighting the intricacies and challenging situations of diplomatic exchanges.
• Discusses the rescue of Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman and airstrikes in Balakot, providing unique insights from Indian diplomats in Pakistan.
• Provides a detailed evaluation of India-Pakistan's tumultuous past, emphasizing the challenges faced by Indian envoys amid political leaders' actions.
• Offers new views on key episodes such as Partition, wars in 1965, 1971, and 1999, terrorism in Kashmir, skirmishes along the Line of Control, and terrorist attacks on Mumbai and the Indian parliament.
• Offers a reasoned approach for long-term peace, tracing the evolution of India-Pakistan relations from Partition to present problems.
• Explores the turbulent relationship between India and Pakistan, marked by events like the URI incident, surgical strikes, the Pulwama Attack, and the withdrawal of Article 370.
• Provides a detailed analysis of Bisaria's tenure as India's top diplomat in Pakistan, highlighting the intricacies and challenging situations of diplomatic exchanges.
• Discusses the rescue of Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman and airstrikes in Balakot, providing unique insights from Indian diplomats in Pakistan.
• Provides a detailed evaluation of India-Pakistan's tumultuous past, emphasizing the challenges faced by Indian envoys amid political leaders' actions.
• Offers new views on key episodes such as Partition, wars in 1965, 1971, and 1999, terrorism in Kashmir, skirmishes along the Line of Control, and terrorist attacks on Mumbai and the Indian parliament.
• Offers a reasoned approach for long-term peace, tracing the evolution of India-Pakistan relations from Partition to present problems.
April 11, 2024
My review would be terse as to why i gave five star rating -
●The book is filled with full of insider accounts, truly encapsulating the development in ties from a diplomats perspective. This assumes great salience considering the fact that author helmed significant positions in diplmatic gamut dealing with Pakistan, first as Private Secretary to PM Vajpayee and then as Indian HC to Pakistan under PM Modi regime in 2019 when he became first Indian HC to be expelled by Pakistan after Indian Parliament watered down Article 370 and reorganized J&K.
●It delves into narrative peddled in Pakistan on same event which comes in handy in understanding public dynamics of relationships and preferences of political elites from time to time.
●The book has many references from various memoirs of IFS officers
●Personally, i like the vocabulary which is used in books.
●The periodization of book into decades is impressive and makes the book an interesting read without becoming boring (although high decibel India Pakistan literature rarely becomes boring).
●The book is filled with full of insider accounts, truly encapsulating the development in ties from a diplomats perspective. This assumes great salience considering the fact that author helmed significant positions in diplmatic gamut dealing with Pakistan, first as Private Secretary to PM Vajpayee and then as Indian HC to Pakistan under PM Modi regime in 2019 when he became first Indian HC to be expelled by Pakistan after Indian Parliament watered down Article 370 and reorganized J&K.
●It delves into narrative peddled in Pakistan on same event which comes in handy in understanding public dynamics of relationships and preferences of political elites from time to time.
●The book has many references from various memoirs of IFS officers
●Personally, i like the vocabulary which is used in books.
●The periodization of book into decades is impressive and makes the book an interesting read without becoming boring (although high decibel India Pakistan literature rarely becomes boring).
March 16, 2024
Fantastic history of 75 yrs Indo Pak relations!
Must read for those interested in understanding India-Pak issues, Fascinating how much energy Paks have spent pursuing wars& aggression relentlessly. Explains why Pakistan is where it is today. While tackling Pak aggression, India was building institutions, educational, industrial infrastructure. Nothing to show for Paks.
Must read for those interested in understanding India-Pak issues, Fascinating how much energy Paks have spent pursuing wars& aggression relentlessly. Explains why Pakistan is where it is today. While tackling Pak aggression, India was building institutions, educational, industrial infrastructure. Nothing to show for Paks.
October 9, 2024
Reading the book, I came to know many sides of the India Pakistan troubled deplomatic relationship. They certainly weren't as sweet as our teachers at school tried to portray to us, but far more complicated.
October 6, 2024
Ajay is a former Indian diplomat so his presenting a one-sided view of the Indo-Pak relationship is expected. However, at some places in the book, Ajay overdoes it; quite unbecoming of a professional diplomat but perhaps a sign of the jingoism infecting India at the moment, and its apparent pervasiveness to the highest reaches of the Indian polity. Otherwise, an okay book which could have used a few proofreads, I think I counted at least 5 grammatical or syntactic errors, with names and dates mixed up, sentences going nowhere, and spelling mistakes. Overall 2.5/5 from me.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews