In Pursuit of Peace: India-Pakistan Relations Under Six Prime Ministers

by Satinder Kumar Lambah

No relationship has been as complex and so difficult to manage as India's relations with Pakistan. Four wars, cross-border terrorism, and Pakistan's persistent hostility and relentless campaign on "Kashmir issue" have been a source of strategic challenge for every Indian leader. Yet, each has pursued peace in the interest of India's progress and security with differing strategies, but with the same result.

As a diplomat who served around the world and in Pakistan, the late Satinder Kumar Lambah's unique position helps tell an insider's story of the turbulent history between India and Pakistan. He writes of his personal experiences of India-Pakistan relations having served six Indian Prime Ministers, whom he worked directly with and offered counsel. This includes his role as Prime Minister's Special Envoy for back-channel talks under PM Manmohan Singh and India's quick diplomatic moves in the post-Taliban Afghanistan. With insight, he also traces the roots of Pakistan's evolution since its birth and the challenges its army-driven polity poses for India and reflects on the way forward in dealing with Pakistan to secure peace in the region.

Genres: India, Pakistan

384 pages, Hardcover

Published August 8, 2023

Reviews

[Vineeth Nair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb read. First hand account of Track 2 dialogues between India and Pak. Covers the entire gambit of relations, talks on Kashmir etc quite authentically. A must read for all interested in Indo-Pak relations.

[Sanjay Banerjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author, who was involved in public service in the country for around 50 years and more than half of that in dealing with Pakistan-related matters, provides a remarkable account of his diplomatic experience. Especially remarkable are his accounts and insights of the Track-II diplomacy between India and Pakistan to address the Kashmir issue among other prickly matters between the two countries. A ‘must-read’ - in my opinion - who are interested in the sub-continent’s affairs and history (especially in the recent past). For a person who was born in Peshawar and whose family was displaced from there at the time of Partition, following quote of his struck a chord which the jingoistic in recent times would do well to note : “Peace and cooperation might seem elusive forever. But memories should not become perpetual shackles on shaping our future. The pain and loss we experience should not stop us from continually seeking a path to healing, however difficult and arduous it might seem. My life and professional journey tel me that.”

[Ananya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-documented experience of the author as a former diplomat and High Commissioner to Pakistan. The book dives deep into Lambah's backdoor engagements and interactions with Pakistani leaders and counterparts over the decades, and sheds light on the struggle of managing the complex India-Pakistan relations.

[Anshul Gupta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meanders through and leave apart important episodes of indo pak negotiations and history. Creates a large than life image of Mr lambah while it is apparent that he didn't venture much to balochistan or Sindh or made friends from those regions. He seems to have grudge towards nda govts foe not giving him ant assignment
In short a colorless self praise porse

[Zeshan Ashraf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliantly written account straight from a seasoned diplomat having witnessed it all happening.