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A Life in Diplomacy
An insider's account of the personalities and policies that shaped Indian diplomacy.
Former foreign secretary, Maharajakrishna Rasgotra joined India's external affairs ministry when Jawaharlal Nehru, Girija Shankar Bajpai, Sardar Patel were—with a mix of pragmatism and hope—creating the foreign policy of the newly independent nation. This was taking place as the Cold War slid into the subcontinent and complex relationships with India's neighbours—China, Pakistan and Nepal—were taking shape. Looking back on those crucial years with a discerning eye for the interplay of personalities—Nehru, Krishna Menon, or S. Radhakrishnan, for instance—Rasgotra assesses their influence on events and their impact on the evolution of Indian diplomacy.
For over three decades Rasgotra's assignments took him to Nepal, Britain and France, among other countries, as well as twice to the United States. His account of Nixon and Kissinger, and the mix of truculence and persuasion in their dealings with Mrs Gandhi in the run up to the 1971 Bangladesh war, sheds new light on the events of that time. His tenure as foreign secretary covered a period of great change and A Life in Diplomacy provides a ringside view of the beginnings of ethnic violence in Sri Lanka, the last years of the Cold War, the negotiations on the formation of SAARC, Mrs Gandhi's assassination and the Bhopal gas disaster.
This is a compelling, authoritative account of a personal and professional journey; a reflective look at the leaders, events and forces that formed relations between India and the world over fifty years.
Former foreign secretary, Maharajakrishna Rasgotra joined India's external affairs ministry when Jawaharlal Nehru, Girija Shankar Bajpai, Sardar Patel were—with a mix of pragmatism and hope—creating the foreign policy of the newly independent nation. This was taking place as the Cold War slid into the subcontinent and complex relationships with India's neighbours—China, Pakistan and Nepal—were taking shape. Looking back on those crucial years with a discerning eye for the interplay of personalities—Nehru, Krishna Menon, or S. Radhakrishnan, for instance—Rasgotra assesses their influence on events and their impact on the evolution of Indian diplomacy.
For over three decades Rasgotra's assignments took him to Nepal, Britain and France, among other countries, as well as twice to the United States. His account of Nixon and Kissinger, and the mix of truculence and persuasion in their dealings with Mrs Gandhi in the run up to the 1971 Bangladesh war, sheds new light on the events of that time. His tenure as foreign secretary covered a period of great change and A Life in Diplomacy provides a ringside view of the beginnings of ethnic violence in Sri Lanka, the last years of the Cold War, the negotiations on the formation of SAARC, Mrs Gandhi's assassination and the Bhopal gas disaster.
This is a compelling, authoritative account of a personal and professional journey; a reflective look at the leaders, events and forces that formed relations between India and the world over fifty years.
401 pages, Hardcover
Published April 28, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 2, 2021
I recently cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination and will soon be joining the Indian Foreign Service. As I embark on a career in diplomacy, this was the first book I picked up in order to get a sense of what lay in store for me. It did not disappoint.
Maharajakrishna Rasgotra, who belonged to the 1950 batch of the IFS and retired as Foreign Secretary in the 80s, has a lively writing style with a knack for narrating the telling anecdote. From teething troubles in the early days of the IFS, India's efforts in African decolonization, the Sino-Indian war, America's devious role in the 1971 war, political developments in Nepal, to the Bhopal gas tragedy, Rasgotra was witness to several historic events at close quarters.
I learnt a great deal about the practice of diplomacy from the book, and would recommend it to everyone interested in international relations.
Maharajakrishna Rasgotra, who belonged to the 1950 batch of the IFS and retired as Foreign Secretary in the 80s, has a lively writing style with a knack for narrating the telling anecdote. From teething troubles in the early days of the IFS, India's efforts in African decolonization, the Sino-Indian war, America's devious role in the 1971 war, political developments in Nepal, to the Bhopal gas tragedy, Rasgotra was witness to several historic events at close quarters.
I learnt a great deal about the practice of diplomacy from the book, and would recommend it to everyone interested in international relations.
July 25, 2017
From a young boy who fled the partition, to becoming the foreign secretary of the nation, Rasgotra's life has been and continues to be remarkable.He is deeply knowledgeable, meditative, and has an instinct when it comes to people and even events. He is a brilliant raconteur.They just don't make em' like this anymore.
He regales the reader with what goes on behind the scenes, a strange mix of the absurd, the witty and the poignant.Be it Khrushchev's shoe banging at the UN General Assembly to which Macmillan's response was "Can someone translate that for me?", or a US Foreign service officer's dismal knowledge of South Asia (Pakistan has the Gurkhas!)
I think my favourite was when Brezhnev pleaded with Mrs Gandhi to "show him the way out of Afghanistan", to which she quipped, "Its the same way you came in".
Of course there are intensely frustrating and harrowing events also, such as his tireless campaign for decolonisation and preventing neocolonialism, the Kissinger-Nixon-Gandhi tension preceding the Bangladesh war, the diplomatic travesty of the Bhopal gas tragedy.
Rasgotra played his part from the time when India, though an ancient civilisation was a very fragile and new nation, was trying to survive in the international sphere through idealism alone, much to its detriment, to a time when an optimum balance (whatever that is), of pragmatism and idealism could be reached.
At 92, Ambassador Rasgotra has at once written a delightful personal memoir and a comprehensive evolution of India's foreign policy after independence, through the cold war era and has even given his insights on the 21st century and beyond.
He regales the reader with what goes on behind the scenes, a strange mix of the absurd, the witty and the poignant.Be it Khrushchev's shoe banging at the UN General Assembly to which Macmillan's response was "Can someone translate that for me?", or a US Foreign service officer's dismal knowledge of South Asia (Pakistan has the Gurkhas!)
I think my favourite was when Brezhnev pleaded with Mrs Gandhi to "show him the way out of Afghanistan", to which she quipped, "Its the same way you came in".
Of course there are intensely frustrating and harrowing events also, such as his tireless campaign for decolonisation and preventing neocolonialism, the Kissinger-Nixon-Gandhi tension preceding the Bangladesh war, the diplomatic travesty of the Bhopal gas tragedy.
Rasgotra played his part from the time when India, though an ancient civilisation was a very fragile and new nation, was trying to survive in the international sphere through idealism alone, much to its detriment, to a time when an optimum balance (whatever that is), of pragmatism and idealism could be reached.
At 92, Ambassador Rasgotra has at once written a delightful personal memoir and a comprehensive evolution of India's foreign policy after independence, through the cold war era and has even given his insights on the 21st century and beyond.
October 17, 2023
One of the most comprehensive and insightful books on the shaping of Indian Foreign policy and the machinations of the same. Unlike other such IFS memoirs it delves deep to the level of recreation of bilateral talks of Head of States. A good read overall.
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September 23, 2019This book will serve purpose for anyone interested in the affairs and mechanism of Indian Diplomacy. Mr. Rasgotra has the first-hand know-how on this topic and reading about it from him can be enlightening especially with his recall on matters of playing diplomacy with the Super Powers. His experience in MEA and as a Foreign Secretary makes all the reasons right for why we must read his work.
And personally as a Bhutanese, where our government's dealing with India is vast and strategic invites our attention helplessly.
And personally as a Bhutanese, where our government's dealing with India is vast and strategic invites our attention helplessly.
May 28, 2020
I expected it to be a memoir and hence was reluctant for the longest time to pick it up. Being unable to buy new books during the COVID induced lockdown, I finally picked up this book.
It is not just a memoir, a very thoughtful look back at the Indian foreign policy by someone’s who has witnessed it in first person, and lesson to remember for the future. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to become a diplomat and/or has an interest in the Indian foreign policy.
It is not just a memoir, a very thoughtful look back at the Indian foreign policy by someone’s who has witnessed it in first person, and lesson to remember for the future. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to become a diplomat and/or has an interest in the Indian foreign policy.
July 9, 2019
A great book by former foreign secretary Maharajakrishna Rasgotra .He gives an insight into the evolution of Indian foreign policy and the Ministry of External affairs from scratch. He tells about challenges Indian faced in his balanced Non-Alignment Movement, Decolonisation Champaign for African countries, diplomatic fight to stop foreign influence for Khalistan champaign. His book also tells India's patience and commitment to have a friendly relationship with her neighbours especially Nepal. This book is must read for those who an interest in Indian foreign policy.
November 6, 2017
This book provides an insightful account on evolution of India’s foreign policy. I wished it talked more about the evolution of the initial training and its contemporary relevance. His ability to foresee both domestic and international turn of events is exceptional and complimented by his ability to forge relationships. It was nice to read about Nehru’s idealism and how his vision of Non-Alignment still finds resonance.
June 7, 2020
The author being part of Indian Foreign Service from the initial days of Independence has covered almost all the aspects of our foreign relations with countries covering all major powers and our neighbouring countries. He witnessed the formation of SAARC and framed our policy in a new direction. A must-read for anyone who wants to learn about our Foreign policy which framed the destiny of our country.
January 16, 2024
A must-read for those interested in Indian foreign policy and its history. It has a plethora of facts, anecdotes and insights sprinkled on top of a biographical narrative. The author's English background is clearly evident in his writing flair, which has no dearth of wit and humor. Overall, it is an informative and inspiring read.
August 3, 2019
A truly remarkable book by a remarkable man. It is as important for Indians as it's for us who are interested in India and her often incomprehensible diplomacy. It is intelligent, scholarly, upright, and humorous. As much pleasure as profit in there. Please read it!
May 20, 2020
The author joined the foreign service during the period of Nehru ji and saw through the changes happened in the world and India till the period of Rajiv Gandhi's period. That is explained very well in the book.
The insider-talks of Indian diplomacy diplomacy is explained in a detailed manner.
The insider-talks of Indian diplomacy diplomacy is explained in a detailed manner.
June 4, 2020
A compelling and authoritative account of a personal and professional journey; a reflective look at the leaders, events and forces that formed relations between India and the world over fifty years.
From Nehru to Modi.
A must read for this who are into Foreign Relations.
From Nehru to Modi.
A must read for this who are into Foreign Relations.
June 23, 2020
Recounting past events, Mr Rasgotra deepens our understanding of the Indian foreign policy.
January 21, 2021
An excellent read but sadly didn't get to express his views regarding the current modi governments policies.
October 6, 2022
An absolute read for understanding the birth of India's foreign policy.
February 4, 2017
A great memoir, but more so of the era he lived.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2016
‘A life in diplomacy’ is written by Indian diplomat and former Foreign Secretary of India, Mr.Maharajkrishna Rasgotra. IFS officer of 1949 batch, which is only second batch of service since its inception, Mr.Rasgotra had worked with almost every personalities of India who has shaped Indian foreign policy since independence, ranges from Jawaharlal Nehru to P.V.NarsimhaRao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His exposure to various global personalities as diverse as from Albert Einstein to Parvez Musharraf, his experience as Indian diplomat abroad including in US, Nepal, United Nations, UK, France and several other countries and his tenure as foreign secretary, all this blended with his good command on English language and ting of humor, results in compelling memoir of this ‘poet diplomat’. Book deals with almost every important event related to Indian foreign policy since independence to year 1989. His observations on recent course of Indian foreign policy in context of his past experiences provide good understanding of subject. Portrait of eminent Indian and foreign figures such as Nehru, Vijayalaxmi Pandit, Dr.Radhakrishnan, Krishna Menon, Hennery Kissinger, King of Nepal and of many others are lively and showing important aspects of their personalities. Being in United State during Indo-Pak war in 1971, he has lucidly narrated stand taken by US and failure of Nixon-Kissinger diplomacy on it. Author has thrown some light on controversial issues like offer of Kennedy to Nehru for nuclear bomb and giving safe passage to Warren Anderson after Bhopal Gas tragedy. Only chapter seems unnecessary is ‘Renewal of faith’, spiritual transformation author undergone after meeting one important Indian saint of that time. At the age of 92, solely written on memory, this book, as Shivshankar Menon said, deepens our understanding of wellspring of Indian foreign policy. Beautifully written in lucid English, full of anecdotes with tinge of humor, this book is not only must read for those who are interested in Indian foreign policy but also holds equally good for readers having general appetite for good reading.
September 5, 2016
The book is a breath of fresh air for the mind. The author, by his mesmerizing literary skills, has allowed us a peep into the tabooed and the secret planet of diplomacy haunted by espionage. A compelling 437- page turner which gives us a lucid narration of the intricacies and the intrigues that goes on behind the high walls and a neutral analysation of those who dwell within. The myth and the mystery that shrouded the hallowed IFS, has been brought down for general review. Rasgotra's penmanship is blessed. The things which set aside this epic account from the numerous dull monologues on the same subject, Rasgotra's tasty sense of humor and his sweet-n-sour wit was one of them. Nothing saucy, nothing flashy. An honest charter. I believe, after all, this piece holds the answer to the age-old irksome queries as to why our Prime Minister Nehru was so adamant on his non-alignment policy? What are the factors behind the urge that goads India to preach peace everywhere? One might detect a mild effort here and there, to alleviate the disastrous foreign policy that led to the war with China in 1962 and with Pakistan in 1965, in a favorable light, but that too is understandable, even justified to some extent. Rasgotra has provided us with the mundane errands of our system. Many an other accounts on the same subject by different IFSs will follow, from time to time. But this piece has its merit in another aspect. Mr. Rasgotra, mainly has captured the essence of the Nehruvian era, the era that put the corner-stone for modern India and til then was being guarded by the tall shadow of the great man. This book assures us of our integrity and reminds us of our sacrifices. An eloquent tale of human-folk. A must read.
October 21, 2016
Rasgotra was one of the earliest recruits of the Indian Foreign Service, and went on to become Foreign Secretary as well as Ambassador to the US, UK, France, Nepal etc. This book is mainly Rasgotra's recollections and views on the Indian foreign policy since Independence. He sticks to his own experiences as a diplomat, which is the strength as well as the failing of this book. Obviously there are limits on what he can say, but the book maintains a very balanced approach. There is discussion of policy as well as people. He must have been quite close to Indira Gandhi, but doesn't come across as biased. Diplomatic and direct in equal measure - quite a fun read. One highlight for me was reading the letter written by Sardar Patel to Nehru in 1950 after Chinese invasion of Tibet. Foreign policy under the Sardar would have been something else!
September 24, 2016
Without being autobiographical, Mr. Rasgotra has delved into his experiences imparting an educational character to the book which is the most appreciated.
The last chapter on past and future prospects of foreign policy and personal views on how it should be, is exhilarating.
At times, he might sound outdated with respect to his views on neighbourhood diplomacy to the novice, but the views are deeply founded on his authoritative experience in the past and therefore something to be reckoned with in our apprehension of the current scenario in Asia and the world.
The account is highly educating for a foreign services aspirant as the nuances of the service are vividly mentioned with personal anecdotes, stories at time.
Glad to have read this personal account of 'a diplomat who is also a poet'!
The last chapter on past and future prospects of foreign policy and personal views on how it should be, is exhilarating.
At times, he might sound outdated with respect to his views on neighbourhood diplomacy to the novice, but the views are deeply founded on his authoritative experience in the past and therefore something to be reckoned with in our apprehension of the current scenario in Asia and the world.
The account is highly educating for a foreign services aspirant as the nuances of the service are vividly mentioned with personal anecdotes, stories at time.
Glad to have read this personal account of 'a diplomat who is also a poet'!
September 15, 2016
Mr Rasgotra has seen the evolution of Indian foreign policy and has supervised some reforms in Indian foreign Service too. The book is filled with interesting anecdotes with details on Nepal and Mr Kissinger to be particularly incisive. This book is simply a joy to read.
May 3, 2016
A most incisive account of the evolution of Indian diplomacy, enlivened with many telling anecdotes..
April 24, 2017
The book is an excellent account of the insights into the life of an Indian diplomat from the beginnings of foreign policy in independent India to the current state. I liked the way the author showed the phases of dynamism and stasis in Indian foreign policy mingled with personal experiences with Heads of state and other dignitaries. There are few people who can be as articulate as diplomats (it comes with the job I guess) and the author has lived up to the reputation.
Though there are several books on Indian foreign policy - its evolution and challenges, a book of this quality is rare.
Though there are several books on Indian foreign policy - its evolution and challenges, a book of this quality is rare.
November 27, 2017
A personal account covering all facets of India's foreign policy from Independence to 1990. Ambassador's command over language and eloquence of expression make it a charming read. The first few chapters and the last one are very insightful.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews