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Nehru's First Recruits: The Diplomats Who Built Independent India's Foreign Policy
Independent India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and his team faced the colossal task of building the infrastructure for a new state that was rising from the ashes of war, famine and communal strife. One of the first administrative innovations was the formation of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). In 1958, once its posts were finally filled, it was decided that the names of the extraordinary men and women who were the first to represent Indian on the world stage would be published as the History of Services of Officers of the Indian Foreign Service (Branches A and B). That slim, 'restricted - for official use only' volume is the inspiration for Nehru's First Recruits.
Among others, author Kallol Bhattacherjee writes about Brajesh Mishra, who initiated dialogue with Beijing to restart relations disrupted in 1962; Mira Ishardas Malik, the first Indian woman diplomat to serve in China; Eric Gonsalves, who handled the biggest ever evacuation of Indians from a foreign crisis; K. Natwar Singh and Romesh Bhandari, who served for many years even after retiring from the IFS; Cyril John Stracey, who served with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose; Harivansh Rai Bachchan, who was responsible for the name 'Videsh Mantralaya'; and Mirza Rashid Ali Baig, M.A. Jinnah's former private secretary who became a towering chief of protocol whose legacy resonates in South Block even today.
Through the stories and experiences of India's earliest diplomats, this book, for the first time, presents the foundational history of the country's diplomatic corps and indeed the beginning of the country's engagement in global affairs.
Among others, author Kallol Bhattacherjee writes about Brajesh Mishra, who initiated dialogue with Beijing to restart relations disrupted in 1962; Mira Ishardas Malik, the first Indian woman diplomat to serve in China; Eric Gonsalves, who handled the biggest ever evacuation of Indians from a foreign crisis; K. Natwar Singh and Romesh Bhandari, who served for many years even after retiring from the IFS; Cyril John Stracey, who served with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose; Harivansh Rai Bachchan, who was responsible for the name 'Videsh Mantralaya'; and Mirza Rashid Ali Baig, M.A. Jinnah's former private secretary who became a towering chief of protocol whose legacy resonates in South Block even today.
Through the stories and experiences of India's earliest diplomats, this book, for the first time, presents the foundational history of the country's diplomatic corps and indeed the beginning of the country's engagement in global affairs.
425 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2024
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September 2, 2024
Kallol Bhattacherjee's "Nehru's First Recruit" serves as an authoritative and vivid account of the initial years of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and of India’s formative foreign policy. This work presents a full 368 pages of rich and careful historical revisions tracing India's IFS from its very first moments under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, surrounded by a newly independent India recovering from colonial rule, partition and constructing a new identity in the global political arena.
His narrative is both comprehensive and nuanced, deftly weaving together historical events with his attention to detail and well-placed conviction soothed the life story of those earliest diplomats, whose diplomatic acumen and resilience were instrumental in navigating India through a complex web of international relations. From Brajesh Mishra, who revived diplomatic ties with China post the 1962 conflict, to Mira Ishardas Malik, the trailblazing first Indian woman diplomat in China, and Eric Gonsalves, who orchestrated the architect of the greatest evacuation of Indians during a foreign disruption, just to name a few.
The author's representation of these individuals is not only pious admiration; it is a duplicity examination of their value, difficulties, and the contingencies surrounding their work. He artfully captures the dual pressures faced by these diplomats: the imperative to project a cohesive and confident image of India abroad while simultaneously addressing domestic uncertainties and evolving geopolitical dynamics. His narrative reflects the gravitas and strategic foresight required in those formative years, underscoring the immense responsibility shouldered by Nehru’s recruits.
One of the most striking aspects of Bhattacherjee’s writing is his ability to contextualize the individual efforts within the broader trajectory of India’s foreign policy. Through detailed analyses of diplomatic strategies, bilateral negotiations, and multilateral engagements, the book illustrates how these early diplomats not only represented India but also defined its voice in international forums.
In conclusion, it is more than a historical account; it is a tribute to the architects of India’s early diplomatic endeavors. It is a book that not only informs but also inspires, offering invaluable insights into the ethos and principles that continue to underpin India’s foreign policy. For contemporary readers, particularly the younger generation, the book serves as a vital reminder of the sacrifices, strategic calculations, and visionary leadership that have shaped India’s path on the world stage. This work is an indispensable addition to the canon of Indian diplomatic history. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of nation-building and the intricate dance of international diplomacy during one of the most pivotal periods in India’s history. It is a book that demands to be revisited, not just for its rich historical content but for the enduring lessons it imparts about leadership, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of national interest.
His narrative is both comprehensive and nuanced, deftly weaving together historical events with his attention to detail and well-placed conviction soothed the life story of those earliest diplomats, whose diplomatic acumen and resilience were instrumental in navigating India through a complex web of international relations. From Brajesh Mishra, who revived diplomatic ties with China post the 1962 conflict, to Mira Ishardas Malik, the trailblazing first Indian woman diplomat in China, and Eric Gonsalves, who orchestrated the architect of the greatest evacuation of Indians during a foreign disruption, just to name a few.
The author's representation of these individuals is not only pious admiration; it is a duplicity examination of their value, difficulties, and the contingencies surrounding their work. He artfully captures the dual pressures faced by these diplomats: the imperative to project a cohesive and confident image of India abroad while simultaneously addressing domestic uncertainties and evolving geopolitical dynamics. His narrative reflects the gravitas and strategic foresight required in those formative years, underscoring the immense responsibility shouldered by Nehru’s recruits.
One of the most striking aspects of Bhattacherjee’s writing is his ability to contextualize the individual efforts within the broader trajectory of India’s foreign policy. Through detailed analyses of diplomatic strategies, bilateral negotiations, and multilateral engagements, the book illustrates how these early diplomats not only represented India but also defined its voice in international forums.
In conclusion, it is more than a historical account; it is a tribute to the architects of India’s early diplomatic endeavors. It is a book that not only informs but also inspires, offering invaluable insights into the ethos and principles that continue to underpin India’s foreign policy. For contemporary readers, particularly the younger generation, the book serves as a vital reminder of the sacrifices, strategic calculations, and visionary leadership that have shaped India’s path on the world stage. This work is an indispensable addition to the canon of Indian diplomatic history. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of nation-building and the intricate dance of international diplomacy during one of the most pivotal periods in India’s history. It is a book that demands to be revisited, not just for its rich historical content but for the enduring lessons it imparts about leadership, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of national interest.
August 27, 2024
-A Smorgasbord of Nostalgia and Emotions-
Review of 'Nehru's First Recruits'
After the independence, India had it's hands full. There were problems galore, wars, famine and communal strife: issues that were thorns in the side of the nation. To present a unified image of India on a global level, Indian Foreign Service (IFS) was formed.
It is this story, of the IFS as well as a melange of officers who represented India on the world stage. After the officers were finalized, their names were published in 'The History of Services of Officers of the Indian Foreign Service'. This was a restricted volume, and now it serves as a basis of this book.
Nehru's First Recruits is chockful of stories and nostalgisa. Such kinds of non fiction books occupy the very top of my bookshelf. The author has skilfully dealt with these stories, doling out the thrills and emotions in a restrained way, neither going overboard nor serving undercooked cardboardish stories.
Bhattacherjee writes about many diplomats, chiefly Brajesh Mishra, who initiated dialogue with Beijing to restart relations disrupted in 1962; Mira Ishardas Malik, the first Indian woman diplomat to serve in China; Eric Gonsalves, who handled the biggest evacuation of Indians from a foreign crisis; K. Natwar Singh and Romesh Bhandari, who served for many years even after retiring from the IFS; Cyril John Stracey, who served with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose; Harivansh Rai Bachchan, who was responsible for the name 'Videsh Mantralaya'; and Mirza Rashid Ali Baig, M.A. Jinnah's former private secretary who became a towering chief of protocol whose legacy resonates in South Block even today.
One of my favorite stories is of Mira Malik, who chose to be deputed in China. Nehru, who was a little harsh towards her, was of opinion that she might get married and leave the service. She described the rule of stopping female recruits from getting married as 'stupid', leaving Nehru startled.
Review of 'Nehru's First Recruits'
After the independence, India had it's hands full. There were problems galore, wars, famine and communal strife: issues that were thorns in the side of the nation. To present a unified image of India on a global level, Indian Foreign Service (IFS) was formed.
It is this story, of the IFS as well as a melange of officers who represented India on the world stage. After the officers were finalized, their names were published in 'The History of Services of Officers of the Indian Foreign Service'. This was a restricted volume, and now it serves as a basis of this book.
Nehru's First Recruits is chockful of stories and nostalgisa. Such kinds of non fiction books occupy the very top of my bookshelf. The author has skilfully dealt with these stories, doling out the thrills and emotions in a restrained way, neither going overboard nor serving undercooked cardboardish stories.
Bhattacherjee writes about many diplomats, chiefly Brajesh Mishra, who initiated dialogue with Beijing to restart relations disrupted in 1962; Mira Ishardas Malik, the first Indian woman diplomat to serve in China; Eric Gonsalves, who handled the biggest evacuation of Indians from a foreign crisis; K. Natwar Singh and Romesh Bhandari, who served for many years even after retiring from the IFS; Cyril John Stracey, who served with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose; Harivansh Rai Bachchan, who was responsible for the name 'Videsh Mantralaya'; and Mirza Rashid Ali Baig, M.A. Jinnah's former private secretary who became a towering chief of protocol whose legacy resonates in South Block even today.
One of my favorite stories is of Mira Malik, who chose to be deputed in China. Nehru, who was a little harsh towards her, was of opinion that she might get married and leave the service. She described the rule of stopping female recruits from getting married as 'stupid', leaving Nehru startled.
June 9, 2024
What a book! What a man!
I cannot possible do justice review in a few words this book and I am not capable enough to review such a great work as this.
I can say Nehru was a genius and there is no doubt about it once one reads this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It's a huge book around 350 pages.
"Kallol Bhattacherjee's 'Nehru's First Recruits: The Diplomats Who Built Independent India's Foreign Policy' delves into the foundational history of India's diplomatic corps with meticulous detail across its 12 captivating chapters. From military men to ICS officers, the book intricately weaves together the stories of India's earliest diplomats who shaped the country's engagement in global affairs. Author skillfully narrates the challenges faced by Jawaharlal Nehru and his team as they built a new state post-independence. The book sheds light on the formation of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and highlights the significant role played by these extraordinary men and women on the world stage. Through engaging accounts like 'The first evacuation of Indians in a foreign crisis' and 'The first women recruits', author brings to life the struggles, triumphs, and pivotal moments that defined India's foreign policy landscape.
I feel it is a must read for every Indian, especially the current generation which should be made aware of the trial and tribulations, sacrifices which were made to achieve the freedom for India. Nehru's thoughts, internal struggles and insight into Indian is truly revealing of his dedication and nationalism, which is very much relevant even in today's times. This book deserves to be read more than once and should be read by every Indian. I would definitely do that.
I cannot possible do justice review in a few words this book and I am not capable enough to review such a great work as this.
I can say Nehru was a genius and there is no doubt about it once one reads this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It's a huge book around 350 pages.
"Kallol Bhattacherjee's 'Nehru's First Recruits: The Diplomats Who Built Independent India's Foreign Policy' delves into the foundational history of India's diplomatic corps with meticulous detail across its 12 captivating chapters. From military men to ICS officers, the book intricately weaves together the stories of India's earliest diplomats who shaped the country's engagement in global affairs. Author skillfully narrates the challenges faced by Jawaharlal Nehru and his team as they built a new state post-independence. The book sheds light on the formation of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and highlights the significant role played by these extraordinary men and women on the world stage. Through engaging accounts like 'The first evacuation of Indians in a foreign crisis' and 'The first women recruits', author brings to life the struggles, triumphs, and pivotal moments that defined India's foreign policy landscape.
I feel it is a must read for every Indian, especially the current generation which should be made aware of the trial and tribulations, sacrifices which were made to achieve the freedom for India. Nehru's thoughts, internal struggles and insight into Indian is truly revealing of his dedication and nationalism, which is very much relevant even in today's times. This book deserves to be read more than once and should be read by every Indian. I would definitely do that.
February 18, 2025
I picked this book after hearing a panel in the Jaipur Literary Festival, and it lived up to my expectations.
In today’s terms, the book explores the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in its start-up phase. It provides a fascinating look at how independent India found its feet in the complex world of international geo-politics, esp given the fluid global dynamics after World War 2.
The book has chapters about of the founding members / architects of that start up - men and women chosen by Pt. Nehru based on their experience and background as much as their ability to become diplomats. These people navigated the tug-of-war between USA and USSR in the Cold War era; managed India’s evolving relations with Pakistan and China; and championed India’s vision of non-alignment in an increasingly polarised world.
There are chapters covering various IFS officers, including Brajesh Mishra, Girija Shankar Bajpai, Vijayalakshmi Pandit, Mira Ishardas Malik and Harivansh Rai Bachchan (I wasn’t aware of this dimension of him) who even coined the ‘Videsh Mantralaya’ (Ministry of External Affairs).
These early diplomats were not just dealing with geopolitics; they were also setting up embassies from scratch, working with limited resources, and often learning diplomacy on the job. Their experiences reveal both the high ideals and the gritty realities of building India’s foreign service from scratch. The author has combined facts with a lot of anecdotes and behind-the-scenes moments that make diplomacy feel real and relatable. As he’s mentioned in the book - “The first diplomats of India were expected to spend their lives moving from place to place. They often had to improvise on the spot and deliver in uncharted territories. They were going to be the Bedouins among the bureaucrats.“
It is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand how India found its voice on the global stage and carved out its diplomatic identity to become a meaningful player.
In today’s terms, the book explores the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in its start-up phase. It provides a fascinating look at how independent India found its feet in the complex world of international geo-politics, esp given the fluid global dynamics after World War 2.
The book has chapters about of the founding members / architects of that start up - men and women chosen by Pt. Nehru based on their experience and background as much as their ability to become diplomats. These people navigated the tug-of-war between USA and USSR in the Cold War era; managed India’s evolving relations with Pakistan and China; and championed India’s vision of non-alignment in an increasingly polarised world.
There are chapters covering various IFS officers, including Brajesh Mishra, Girija Shankar Bajpai, Vijayalakshmi Pandit, Mira Ishardas Malik and Harivansh Rai Bachchan (I wasn’t aware of this dimension of him) who even coined the ‘Videsh Mantralaya’ (Ministry of External Affairs).
These early diplomats were not just dealing with geopolitics; they were also setting up embassies from scratch, working with limited resources, and often learning diplomacy on the job. Their experiences reveal both the high ideals and the gritty realities of building India’s foreign service from scratch. The author has combined facts with a lot of anecdotes and behind-the-scenes moments that make diplomacy feel real and relatable. As he’s mentioned in the book - “The first diplomats of India were expected to spend their lives moving from place to place. They often had to improvise on the spot and deliver in uncharted territories. They were going to be the Bedouins among the bureaucrats.“
It is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand how India found its voice on the global stage and carved out its diplomatic identity to become a meaningful player.
October 8, 2024
Kallol Bhattacherjee delights with this swashbuckling narrative that crisscrosses diplomacy, history and politics of Nehruvian India and the diplomats who laid the seeds of independent India's foreign policies.
Of particular interest to me were the narratives of the lawyer turned diplomat Dileep Kamtekar, protocol secretary M.R.A. Baig and the troika of Bajpai-Dutt-Menon who built the institution of the Indian Foreign Service from scratch. More noteworthy were the first women diplomats of independent India - the well connected Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, norm-defying C.B. Muthamma and Mira Ishardas Malik, and the revolutionary Leilamani Naidu.
I also enjoyed the democratised and pluralistic nature of the IFS which was envied and scorned by the ICS elite - this disdain continues till date with my interactions with IAS officers who continue to dissuade bright candidates from joining the IFS. Some notable recruits like Kamtekar, J.N.Dixit and Brajesh Mishra came through competitive exams while some stenographers and clerks like S.J.Wilfred also rose through the ranks of IFS-B to join the global high table.
This was one of the most engaging and interesting reads for me, of late. Hoping to continue the trend with accounts of veteran diplomats in the coming days.
Of particular interest to me were the narratives of the lawyer turned diplomat Dileep Kamtekar, protocol secretary M.R.A. Baig and the troika of Bajpai-Dutt-Menon who built the institution of the Indian Foreign Service from scratch. More noteworthy were the first women diplomats of independent India - the well connected Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, norm-defying C.B. Muthamma and Mira Ishardas Malik, and the revolutionary Leilamani Naidu.
I also enjoyed the democratised and pluralistic nature of the IFS which was envied and scorned by the ICS elite - this disdain continues till date with my interactions with IAS officers who continue to dissuade bright candidates from joining the IFS. Some notable recruits like Kamtekar, J.N.Dixit and Brajesh Mishra came through competitive exams while some stenographers and clerks like S.J.Wilfred also rose through the ranks of IFS-B to join the global high table.
This was one of the most engaging and interesting reads for me, of late. Hoping to continue the trend with accounts of veteran diplomats in the coming days.
May 23, 2025
Not many know that India's earliest diplomats were an eclectic bunch, drawn from various professional fields and recruited to helm India's foreign policy in its early years of freedom from colonial rule. The book includes interesting anecdotes from the lives of these "first recruits", including Harivansh Rai Bachchan's travails while working in the Hindi section of India's External Affairs Ministry.
While the book is rich with stories from the personal and professional lives of these illustrious diplomats and the geopolitical context that underpinned their work, it often moves too quickly from one story to another, leaving the reader with a sense of unfulfillment. The book unfortunately also has a few (though not major) typos, factual inaccuracies, and editorial inconsistencies that mar the quality of the authorship.
However, the author deserves credit for his research, and for introducing these personalities to those relatively uninitiated in the world of India's foreign policy.
While the book is rich with stories from the personal and professional lives of these illustrious diplomats and the geopolitical context that underpinned their work, it often moves too quickly from one story to another, leaving the reader with a sense of unfulfillment. The book unfortunately also has a few (though not major) typos, factual inaccuracies, and editorial inconsistencies that mar the quality of the authorship.
However, the author deserves credit for his research, and for introducing these personalities to those relatively uninitiated in the world of India's foreign policy.
July 3, 2025
If you are a history lover or anyone who is interested in knowing about the people behind India's foreign policy, this book is for you.
The book talks about the people who became the architects of India's global presence. It talks about the lives and legacies of India's earliest diplomats. The narrative of the book is flowy with each chapter describing a purpose . The book doesn't only talk about the shaping of foreign policy but it describes the very character of Indian Diplomacy.
From poets to radio announcers, It talks about the diversity which existed in the service . This diversity shaped India's image abroad and reflected Nehru's inclusive ethos.
The book also talks about gender discrimination and how C.B. Muthamma fought against it and Mira Sinha braved an all male space in China . Thus the book has a theme of early feminism and resilience within rigid systems.
(Book Review, Indian History, Indian authors)
The book talks about the people who became the architects of India's global presence. It talks about the lives and legacies of India's earliest diplomats. The narrative of the book is flowy with each chapter describing a purpose . The book doesn't only talk about the shaping of foreign policy but it describes the very character of Indian Diplomacy.
From poets to radio announcers, It talks about the diversity which existed in the service . This diversity shaped India's image abroad and reflected Nehru's inclusive ethos.
The book also talks about gender discrimination and how C.B. Muthamma fought against it and Mira Sinha braved an all male space in China . Thus the book has a theme of early feminism and resilience within rigid systems.
(Book Review, Indian History, Indian authors)
February 9, 2025
A remarkably fresh book and subject matter to read. Coming from a family of civil servants, a lot of whom got into the service during the 50s and 60s, I grew up listening to names like Brajesh Misra and G.S. Bajpai. The book does a great job in weaving those stories with scholarly rigor into a narrative. Ironically, that also is the one thing I didnt enjoy about the book, it's lack of structure. While the content is great, the chapters can feel a bit meandering at times and you're left wondering which early recruit are you actually reading about. But overall this is a fascinating book and if you're an aspirant for the civil services exam, this book might just make you put IFS as option number 1 instead of the IAS
March 12, 2025
Commendable effort by the author to pick out pieces from the history of the IFS, and make sense out of it. Interesting pieces and characters, and tidbits on how few people came to join the service, ways of which were unconventional at times.
However, the book gets a bit incoherent at times, since the author gets into rabbit holes about specific people, and the details don’t seem to flow well into the larger narrative.
However, the book gets a bit incoherent at times, since the author gets into rabbit holes about specific people, and the details don’t seem to flow well into the larger narrative.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews