Ghulam Arif Khan | Clarion India
EVER wondered how secret agencies really operate? Are real-life spies anything like James Bond, Agent 007? Former spymaster A.S. Dulat sheds light on this in his memoir, “A Life in the Shadows.”
According to Dulat, the general perception of intelligence agencies is often worlds apart from reality. His book delves deep into the nitty-gritty of secret agencies, showcasing their methods, triumphs and failures. It also paints a vivid picture of the internal strife, lack of coordination, and the complex relations between in-field officers and the political leadership, revealing how these factors shape policies.
Amarjit Singh Dulat, once the chief of R&AW (Research and Analysis Wing), India’s premier intelligence agency, held significant positions in the Intelligence Bureau (IB). After retiring in 2000, he was tapped by Prime Minister Vajpayee’s office as an adviser on Kashmir, leveraging his deep expertise. Born in Sialkot in 1940 to a well-educated Sikh family, Dulat’s family relocated to Delhi post-partition. He received top-notch education, joined the Indian Police Service (IPS), and left an indelible mark with his work.
Earlier Dulat books stirred quite the buzz. “Kashmir: The Vajpayee Years ” painted an unforgettable portrait of India’s most troubled state. “The Spy Chronicles,” was co-authored with former Pakistani ISI chief Asad Durrani. This collaboration underscores the realm of possibilities within international diplomacy. Remarkably, Dulat is the only former Indian intelligence chief to have visited Pakistan multiple times with a regular visa under track-two diplomacy. The profession of an undercover demands unwavering focus and sharp mental acuity, but the ex-spymaster offers a broader perspective suggesting a sharply clear pathway.
His memoirs provide a deep dive into the human side of being a spy. While the public may find espionage thrilling and glamorous, Dulat demystifies it, describing undercover work as a game of deceit, often dressed up in the garb of patriotism and principles. He candidly shares that loneliness was his biggest challenge, a feeling that comes naturally to someone dealing with sensitive, clandestine information day in and day out. In the solitary world of espionage, with constant risk and a sensitive heart, the struggle is real and profound.
The IB focuses on domestic affairs, while R&AW deals with international matters. Both agencies are tasked with gathering intelligence and safeguarding national interests through covert operations. However, at the end of the day, these agencies are staffed by human beings, each bringing their own ideas, biases, strengths, and weaknesses to the table. Success hinges on professionalism, but as Dulat notes, he observed a significant amount of internal bias and even clear prejudice against women and Muslims.
In 1989-90, Dulat was assigned to Kashmir by the IB during a time when separatist sentiments were on the rise and terrorism incidents were increasing. He candidly acknowledges that this period marked a significant intelligence failure, largely due to the central institutions’ mistrust of local sources, which led to a dearth of accurate information. Dulat believes this mistrust exacerbated the situation. His writings often reveal his empathy for Kashmir and its people. He argues that resolving issues with force is counterproductive and emphasises that Kashmir, often seen in black and white by Delhi, is a nuanced grey area. Handling such a difficult zone needs consistent empathy and compromise. In his writings and speeches, Dulat consistently underscores the paramount importance of communication and dialogue as the keys to resolving conflicts. He makes no bones about his stance: dialogue, even with Pakistan, is indispensable for a sustainable solution. Dulat firmly believes that without open channels of communication, any resolution will be fleeting. He respectfully takes issue with the current National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s “muscular” strategy. While conceding that aggressive measures may have put a dent in terrorism, Dulat argues that the underlying problem remains far from resolved. The unvarnished truth is that Kashmir epitomises a profound humanitarian crisis
Dulat also shares anecdotes from his time accompanying President Giani Zail Singh on various international trips. President Singh, a straightforward and charming figure, often spoke candidly in Punjabi and was eager for insider information. Despite his simplicity, his speeches were eloquent, albeit often in Punjabi. One memorable incident in Dulat’s book recounts a meeting where the Sultan of Bahrain addressed President Singh as “Emir-ul-Hind” which means head of Indian state. Zail Singh responded by reciting verses from the Holy Qur’an, leaving the Sheikh puzzled and questioning whether the president was a Muslim.
Giani Zail Singh’s simplicity often led to amusing situations. He would ask foreign leaders seemingly odd questions, such as inquiring why people claimed they didn’t believe in God. Once, while walking through a street in Warsaw, and seeing people leaving a church, he asked the Polish diplomat, “How can you say you don’t believe in God when people are clearly attending church. Don’t they believe in God?” His interpreter was helplessly embarrassed. On another occasion, he posed a similar question to Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev: “How do you say you people don’t believe in God? That’s why you are in the mess that you are!”
During heart treatment in the United States, President Singh’s wit shone through. On the morning of his surgery, his American surgeon, Dr. Cooley, asked if he was ready. The President quipped, “I’m Zail Singh, not Reddy!”
A whole chapter is dedicated to Farooq Abdullah, his ideas, and his politics, capturing shifts in his personality as circumstances changed. Dulat paints a vivid picture of these transformations. Another chapter highlights some of the remarkable personalities the author encountered throughout his career. For instance, when Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat visited India, Indira Gandhi entrusted Dulat with his care. Dulat was profoundly impressed by Arafat, whom he describes as one of the most surveilled leaders in the world. The book also recounts meetings with figures like King Charles of Great Britain, then a prince, and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who maintained his health regimen by jogging even during diplomatic visits.
The author has crafted an engaging memoir, enriching it with diverse images and a list of names and references at the end. Readers gain valuable insights into the world of professional espionage and its many facets. Published last year, this book not only chronicles events but also offers distinct perspective points.
Ghulam Arif Khan is a Mumbai based public speaker and commentator on socio-economic, political and cultural issues. He can be contacted at arif055@gmail.com / +91-8422971000.