Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan (2017-20), Ajay Bisaria has written an engaging book, an easy read, despite 500+ pages of text. The tempestuous, convoluted bilateral relationship is examined, focused on the diplomacy deployed by the two frequent antagonists.
Pakistan’s identity quest, and its differentiation from India is addressed in an elegant introduction. From the outset in 1947, it has searched for a contrived new image that partly runs counter to its own culture and history. The outcome: unending contestation with its own self, and with its near-twin, yet different, neighbour. Early on, that identity search led to the creation of the ‘garrison’ state,