AS Dulat

Amarjit Singh Dulat served as the head of India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and as Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau, establishing himself as one of India's most prominent intelligence officers. Following his retirement from intelligence services, he became an influential author and expert commentator on Kashmir affairs and India-Pakistan relations. During his career in intelligence spanning over three decades, Dulat developed extensive networks and relationships with political figures and separatist leaders in Kashmir. His tenure as Chief of RAW from 1999 to 2000 coincided with several crucial developments in India's security landscape, including the Kargil War and the IC-814 hijacking incident. Dulat has authored multiple books that provide rare insights into Indian intelligence operations and Kashmir politics, including "Kashmir: The Vajpayee Years" and "The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace," the latter co-authored with former Pakistani intelligence chief Lt Gen Asad Durrani. His work "A Life in the Shadows: A Memoir" offers a detailed account of his experiences in India's intelligence services. His writings and public commentary have contributed significantly to the discourse on Kashmir, intelligence operations, and India-Pakistan relations. Dulat's approach advocates for dialogue and engagement in resolving conflicts, particularly in Kashmir, drawing from his firsthand experience in the region.

Readers appreciate Dulat's insider perspective and candid revelations about Indian intelligence operations. His books offer direct accounts of historical events from someone who witnessed them firsthand. What readers liked: - Detailed firsthand accounts of intelligence operations - Balanced perspective on Kashmir issues - Clear, straightforward writing style - Unique insights into India-Pakistan relations - Personal anecdotes about key political figures What readers disliked: - Some readers found parts overly diplomatic - Limited depth on certain intelligence operations - Occasional repetition of points - Some felt he held back sensitive information Ratings across platforms: Amazon India: 4.4/5 (400+ reviews) Goodreads: 4.2/5 (300+ ratings) One reader noted: "Dulat provides rare glimpses into the world of intelligence without sensationalizing." Another commented: "His balanced approach to Kashmir stands out, though he could have shared more operational details." His co-authored work "The Spy Chronicles" received particular attention for bringing together perspectives from both Indian and Pakistani intelligence officials.

Kashmir: The Vajpayee Years A detailed account of Indian politics and intelligence operations in Kashmir during Prime Minister Vajpayee's tenure, drawing from Dulat's experiences as intelligence chief.

The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace A collaborative work with former ISI chief Asad Durrani examining India-Pakistan relations and intelligence operations from both sides of the border.

A Life in the Shadows: A Memoir Dulat's personal memoir chronicling his three-decade career in Indian intelligence services, including his time as head of RAW and Special Director of Intelligence Bureau.

Kashmir: Waiting for Dawn An analysis of Kashmir's political landscape and conflict resolution possibilities based on Dulat's extensive experience working with various stakeholders in the region.

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