India vs UK: The Story of an Unprecedented Diplomatic Win

by Syed Akbaruddin

From the revolt of 1857 and the freedom movement to duels on the cricket pitch, India and the United Kingdom have been on opposing sides on numerous occasions. A less known instance when this dynamic played out was the 2017 election for a seat on the International Court of Justice.

Unwilling at first, India was prompted to enter the ring in the wake of the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. The contest that followed proved to be a 'second war of Independence' in the words of then foreign minister Sushma Swaraj - and a David-and-Goliath fight against the permanent members of the Security Council, who all put their might behind the UK.

Syed Akbaruddin, India's Permanent Representative to the UN at the time, presents a behind-the-scenes account of India's coming-of-age in world affairs through the prism of this momentous election.

Genres: India, Politics, Nonfiction, International Relations, History

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 23, 2021

Reviews

[Suyogaya Awasthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting”. The line as stated above is reflective of the tenets of diplomacy which is laden with approaches that require a perfect balance between the Covert and the Overt and how the same is relevant in the book shall be briefly delineated below.

The length of the book is 240 Pages and the whole of the plot revolves round the real life instances which took place in the light of the Kulbhushan Jadhav case which held material importance for India as the same entailed granting of a permanent seat on the International Court of Justice.

Delving further into the same, the book comes as a fitting account of how, India emerged as a prominent figure in the dynamic domain of International affairs, thereby transcending the hurdles which have been made aptly relevant in the book at hand, as the book throughout represents the importance of external factors which shape the domestic paradigm and the relevant decision making process. It must be noted that, this book features a structure which ensure that a historical perspective is well explained and thereby progressing further to the grueling affairs which shape the course of the country.

It must be noted that this book has been authored by someone who holds true account of the actuality of the matter which forms the entirety of the book, however the mere presence of any supposition that this book may be ridden with technicalities must be dismissed out of the bat, as the structure and writing style of the book reflect of simplicity and thereby catering to the major objective of ensuring an inclusive read with insightful information as well. The combined effect of the same, makes this book a must read for anyone willing to lay one’s hand over the subject of International Affairs and Diplomacy for this book shall readily make the reader realize that there is more to what meets the eyes in these matters.

[A K Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute thriller of a read. It's pacy, niche and illuminating. It also goes to show why there is a need to bring foreign policy in mainstream conversations (beyond Pak and China). As happened during Covid, the essence of foreign policy is now omnipresent from every household to the larger context of a rising India in a globally shifting world order. The book in a thrifty 200 pages informs the various machinations that work in driving our multilateral diplomacy and how the various nations view a rising India and how the developed world is still a coterie of few not willing to give up their priveleges and how India is fighting to 'claim' those rights for 20% of world population.

[Mohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book dealing with Multilateral diplomacy. Personally,lacking familiarity with nuances of functioning of UN or any of her affiliated bodies, It was a very intriguing read. First couple of chapters of this book gives very detailed introduction of functioning of UN and her affiliated organs. And further goes forward with events leading to India's very late decision to contest for ICJ judge elections. Diplomacy, Geopolitics involved & hard work of our Diplomats in Indian missions across the globe in unseating Britain (P-5 Member of Security Council) from ICJ is well explained.

[Kiran Mohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Excellency. Lucidly written, this is and will remain a unique book on the topic- ICJ elections.

The book gives an excellent ringside view and anecdotal evidence of how diplomacy trumps international law when it matters and the resultant unprecedented victory India had at the UN. As an international lawyer familiar with the personnel and workings of L and T division of the MEA, some 'characters' in this story are known to me. Reading about them made this exercise an intimate affair.

[Vimal Chhadva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant insight into the world of diplomacy.
This book also helps enlighten about the workings of UN and elections.

Brilliant read.

[GOKUL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and booster shot for the upsc aspirants

[Deepanshu Aggarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very engaging book that talks about the most consequential election to a multilateral institution wherein an emerging country (India) soundly defeated a power of the past (the UK). The said institution was the International Court of Justice. The book describes the background maneuverings that take place in electoral settings at the international level, the give and take that revolves around diplomatic exchanges and the role that a strong political and diplomatic leadership plays in the process. A must read.

[Shrutika · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging anecdote that took place over a period of few months explained in diplomatic detail. It almost holds the potential to chart a good old Indian cinema with a sassy end and all the struggle in between. Quite explicitly explains the implicit nature of diplomacy with the turn of events that led to a strong victory. Diplomacy is definitely more than what meets the eye and this is a saga of diligent team work of the politicians, bureaucrats, ministers inclusive, that pays off really well by winning a crucial election to the ICJ at a crucial time for India. Enthralling throughout.

[Janakan Manivannan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never knew the machinations that goes behind the international elections at court of justice. Syed Akbaruddin, with his front row seat as former permanent UN representative and through his sleek story telling style lifts the curtains to the election of Justice Bhandari amidst the changing world order. Highly engrossing read.

[Soham DSouza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping story of the election of an Indian Judge to the International Court of Justice. Finished it in 2 sittings. The narrative is really strong-doesn't make you wander. Also, this book introduces the common man to the intricacies of diplomacy and the workings of the United Nations

[Omkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping account of what happens behind the closed doors of the largest international body , the UN. An insider view to the electoral contest between two countries, an emerging giant and a former empire.

[Vineeth Nair · Rating 3 out of 5]

An average read. Covers India's diplomatic battles at UN for a seat in ICJ. Information in the book is first hand, Syed Akbaruddin being the man who was at the forefront of all of it.

[Pankaj Gujar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provides a coherent view on how Foreign Policy is actually enacted on ground. Ambassador Sir paints a picture of the chessboard like tactics to propagate Indian Foreign Policy.

[Shobha Bhagwat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing narrative!

[Ankush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well written and continuously keep you engaged. Though a non fiction but truly moves like a thriller.

[Mihir Anand Agashe]

Book written by extract of diary notes. Hence strictly chronological. You have keep in mind all that was happening to really appreciate what unfolded.