Hostility: A Diplomat's Diary on Pakistan-India Relations

by Abdul Basit

Hostility is former Pakistan high commissioner to India Abdul Basit's memoir of his tenure in New Delhi, from 2014 to 2017. The book takes us through perhaps the most difficult era in India-Pakistan relations in recent years. While Narendra Modi's first prime-ministership began with a new hope of normalising relations between Pakistan and India, subsequent events unfortunately proved otherwise.

In his account, Abdul Basit takes us through the highs and lows of what is easily among the most difficult diplomatic postings anywhere the world. Written with honesty, lucidity, and filled with explosive nuggets about what goes on behind the scenes between India and Pakistan, Hostility provides a rare insight into what is possibly the most damaged bilateral relationship in the world.

Genres: Pakistan

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2021

Reviews

[Shipra Mishra · Rating 3 out of 5]

In his tenure as High Commissioner of Pakistan to New Delhi, the diplomat received much flak from both sides of the border. Hostility is, as much a book about the hostility meted out to Abdul Basit as it is about the mutual hostility between Indian and Pakistan. The book appears to be an attempt of setting that record against him straight, even though the author proclaims that’s not the case. And in doing so, he has shied away from dressing down neither the then Pakistan PM, Nawaz Sharif, nor the Pakistan Foreign Service (PFS).

By the end of the first chapter itself, you get the sense that High Commissioner has not been able to shake off his disappointment at being offered and then denied the post of Foreign Secretary. He is deeply critical of petty politics, inefficiencies and recklessness of the PFS and the PM Office. This continues in subsequent chapters as the High Commissioner claims Islamabad had cut off its own diplomat from official proceedings. Bizarre, is all I could think of. Throwing a fluke here, I am guessing it was more than mere internal politics in the PFS, perhaps because of differences on policy matters between the New Delhi High Commission and Islamabad.

It is evident in the book that even when Islamabad was willing to dim the focus on Kashmir in economic interests, High Commissioner Basit was adamant on what he considers to be Pakistan’s first priority in engagements with India – the Kashmir issue. He also justifies and openly supports armed insurgency and destabilization in Kashmir. No wonder many in Pakistan think he is aligned with the military establishment, which must’ve irked Nawaz Sharif further. It is this open scorn of their Prime Minister and several senior members of the PFS by the High Commissioner, which took me by surprise.

If you pick this up expecting policy analysis or history of Indo-Pak relationship, you will be disappointed. If you want first-hand account of how diplomacy is conducted on the field, you can consider Abdul Basit’s Hostility, provided you cal also tolerate a complaining narrator throughout. Summarily, the book is a light read on the day-to-day challenges of serving in a hostile environment. The book will interest foreign service enthusiasts and people curious about how Modi govt’s strategies during eventful 2014-17 were received on the other side of the border.

Disclaimer: The reader is Indian and claims no immunity to national biases.

[Srijan Raj · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book serves you the current overview of the current Diplomatic situation of India-Pakistan, arguably the most "complex" in South East Asia.

It Also mentions various Ideological and security challenges which they are facing, and accepts that Peace is in mutual interest for both the countries.

Throughout the book one can Notice that The leadership of both the countries admits and tries for talks for mutual progress.
But, the anti-elements led diaruptions are
pushing the peace talks out of the table.

Apart from the overview, the book actually shows a biased view, as author contradicts his own proposed points.
Kashmir being the most contestious issue for both the countries being highlighted the most, or the only issue highlighted.
The book is somewhat circles around somewhat like a complaint report, being the author the most realistic person which in anyone's case seems incomplete.

We all know every person on both side of borders wants peace to prosper. Especially the "Diplomats" who are the the torch bearers of peace. With two principles Non-Violence & Constructive Talks. But, I was shocked and was sad to read when the author suggest the De-stability should be used to gather attention of the world.

[Divya Pal · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author’s vocabulary is restricted to just one word – Kashmir. A stooge of the army – this loose cannon, an unguided missile, as it were, this ‘diplomat’ was anything but diplomatic. His intemperate utterances and uncalled for actions led to his singular attainment of ruffling the feathers of his host country while being at odds with his own Foreign Ministry.
Rightfully recalled in disgrace before completely his term!
On being asked by the press about the Pulwama terrorist attack, I remember his smug look and flippant answer, “Let us enjoy the party”!

[Aqeel Haider · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book is written by Career diplomat Abdul Basit.His Stint in #India as High Commissioner(2014-17). It will broaden your horizon to understand Diplomacy and How Poor Pakistan Ministry Of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) conducted himself in context of Indo-Pak relations(2014-17).

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 : Hostility

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 : Abdul Basit
Ambassador Basit has 35 years diplomatic career.Basit served in Pakistan and abroad including Moscow, New York, San'a,Geneva,London and Berlin. He remind Spokesperson for MoFA for 3 years.His last assignment was High Commissioner to #India from 2014-2017.He also served as a president of Islamabad policy research institution (IPRI) from (2017-18).

𝐘𝐎𝐏 : April 2021

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: International relations/Non-fictional

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4.9/5

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: Coming over to the review of this Book. It has 7 Chapters.Total 307 Pages.

◾ Chapter-1 (𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐡𝐢,𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝)

This Chapter is a appraiser of Foreign Service Pakistan(FSP) and its in department machinations. Ambassador was in Berlin. Foreign Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Jaleel abbas was instructed to report Washington DC.SAPM Tariq fatemi called Basit to come Islamabad to Meet PM Main Nawaz sharif (MNS). Where He was revealed to be next Foreign Secretary as compare to Aziaz Ahmed who was going Brussels for Cancer treatment and Assignment. But after farewell's in Berlin Basit re-route to New Delhi instead of Islamabad and Aziaz Ahmed appointed Secretary. And kept Aziaz Ahmed grudge against him through out his stint in #India as High Commissioner.

◾ Chapter-2 (𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟒)

This Chapter discuss the engagement of Ambassador Basit to the #India political circles. He presented Letter of Credence to President Parnab Mukherjee at Rasharatpati Bahwan in New Delhi. He is highlighted Non discriminatinary Market Access (NDMA) status to #India delay by Pakistani Govt on request of BJP leadership as Elections were close in #India. Then PM #Sharif visited to Oath taking ceremony of PM #Modi.and two leaders agreed on resumption of bilateral dialogue's.Then #MNS meet #Modi in Khatmandu on #SAARC Submit which was narrated in #Barkha Dutt Book " This Unquiet Land". Which was not confirm by both sides officially. Before meeting of Foreign Secretaries of Indo-Pak, Basit meet with Hurriyat leadership which give #India opportunity to derail this process before it begins. At that time foreign Secretary #India (Sujata Singh) protested to High Commissioner. India wants to talk on terrorism but not on #Kashmir and demands Pak should put #Kashmir issue in Cold Storage at which #MNS was ready to do. Last but not the least, Sajjan Jindal role in Pak-Indo relationship and uninterrupted access to Pakistani PM office.

◾ Chapter-3 (𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟓)

Ambassador tell us about how he was engaging #Indian politicians in Uttar Pradesh, Kolkata,Mumbai and Lucknow. He frequently meet South block administration in #India where Foreign Sectary India(Jaishankar) and NSA(Ajit doval) was engaged to move forward peace process.He meet Hurriyat leadership. He highlighted prospects how Nawz Sharif(PM Pak) went out the turn to favor #India. High Commissioner in #India was out of the loop by foreign office. He was neglected deliberately by foreign Sectary MoFA(Aziaz Ahmed) regarding what was happening in Islamabad regarding Indo-Pak dialogue. #MNS accommodated #India out of the way compromising Pak principle stance on #Kashmir. This Chapter including MNS-Modi meetings at Ufa Russia SCO forum. And last one Sartaj aziz and Shusma Swaraj visit on Heart of Asia(HoA) meeting joint statements in Islamabad. It tell us Holding grudges at this level how it effect Pakistani cause.

◾ Chapter-4 (𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟔)

This was difficult year as far as Indo-Pak bilateral relationship. Four main incident happend Pathan Kot, martyrdom of Burhan wani, Commander Khulbushan Yadev capture and last one Uri attack. Pakistan too apologetic approach and #MNS impatient approach gives advantage to #India on many forums. #MoFA was instructed to not make any statements on Commander Khulbushan Yadev. Basit indicates how #India played with MoFA nuance difference with own high Commissioner in India. Things has been conducted through #Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan. Basit was completely out of loop. He also highlighted Indian Journalists direct approach to PM and minister's of Pak. As compare to India where Ministry of External Affair's (MEA) don't let Saleem safi to conduct interview of even Spokesperson of MEA what to talk about Shusma Swaraj.

◾ Chapter-5 (𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟕)

2017 was last Year of Ambassador Basit in #India.He explains events of 2017. Commander Kulbhusan Yadav was already captured sentenced to death by military court.Indian media got on frenzy.#Modi launched Sajjan Jindal for meeting with #MNS to release Commander.But #MNS was engaged ongoing Panama scam investigation could not committed much.#India went to ICJ Hague for Consular access which was provided 2 times but all Pre-arrangements were ill prepared.Tehmina janjua by influence of his Cousin close to #PM nominated as foreign Secretary.High commissioner Basit put request for early retirement and relinquished his duties on 2nd August 2017.

◾ Chapter-6 (𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝)

This Chapter discuss Ambassador Post-New Delhi engagements In Islamabad as he was Govt based Think Tank(IPRI) President for 1 Year.He left earlier #IPRI because of Nepotism.Then He joint #OneNews TV done 400 episodes.He also discuss #Pulwama attack and his repercussions. #PTI Govt and #Imran khan calculated move to release the WC #Abhinandan But not able to read #Modi BJP/RSS manifested driven #Kashmir Policy.

◾ Chapter-7 (𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐧𝐢𝐩𝐬)

This Chapter includes PM #Imran Khan Govt diplomacy failure after Provocation of article 35(A) and 370 of #indian Constitution Which stripped away #Kashmir special status.He also pointed out lack of Coherence in Pakistan's strategy toward #Kashmir.Pakistan diplomacy unsuccessful to harness effect of UNSC and Organization of Islamic countries (OIC). Then basit appreciate commendable work on #KartarpurCorridor but eventually don't use it as a pressure Putting instrument on New Delhi in retaliation of 5th August action. Pakistan Foreign Office and Govt need foresighting of events rather than leg pulling each other. He highlighted much more flaws in Pakistan policy towards #India special through the lense of #Kashmir.

♦️ 𝑴𝒚 𝑽𝒊𝒆𝒘𝒔 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 ♦️

This Book is essential for everyone who is interested in Pak-Indo diplomacy during 2013-2020. Ambassador Basit highlighted faux pas in #Pakistan foreign policy towards #India.In hurry to create good will in eye of domestic and international level We downgrade own country interests and damaged our principle stance on #Kashmir like #MNS done it deliberately. Last but not least, own Institution's internal Politics.

#Recommended......

#Thanks

[Vidya Swamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite decades of high decibel rhetoric as well as diplomatic and military support to militants, Pakistan is still largely on its own vis-à-vis the separatist campaign in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdul Basit, who was Pakistan’s High Commissioner in India in 2014-17 before returning home under a cloud, tells us why in a frank and very interesting assessment. If Basit is to be believed, the Pakistani establishment, contrary to its public image, is not committed to the Kashmir cause. The worst offender is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). Worse, Pakistan’s diplomacy lacked coherence and the requisite aggression vis-à-vis India. Going by Basit, none of Pakistan’s rulers in recent times has performed creditably on Jammu and Kashmir. Basit’s account of his years in India is also a story of the humiliation he suffered at the hands of the MoFA during his stint in New Delhi. A revealing book.

M.R. Narayan Swamy 

[Sani Raza Khanani]

Hostility is former Pakistan high commissioner to India Abdul Basit's memoir of his tenure in New Delhi, from 2014 to 2017. The book takes us through perhaps the most difficult era in India-Pakistan relations in recent years. While Narendra Modi's first prime-ministership began with a new hope of normalising relations between Pakistan and India, subsequent events unfortunately proved otherwise.

In his account, Abdul Basit takes us through the highs and lows of what is easily among the most difficult diplomatic postings anywhere the world. Written with honesty, lucidity, and filled with explosive nuggets about what goes on behind the scenes between India and Pakistan, Hostility provides a rare insight into what is possibly the most damaged bilateral relationship in the world.

[Mukesh Devrari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Abdul Basit is smart, visionary and capable diplomat, while all others are stupid in Pakistan

This book is all about why and how Abdul Basit is smart, visionary and capable diplomat, while all others are stupid in Pakistan and incompetent. Particularly his seniors in Pakistan foreign Office and PM Sharif. Anyone interested former diplomats rants - then this is the book.

[Uzair Qadri · Rating 4 out of 5]

He is a master storyteller. A fine book.