For over four decades, journalist Nitin A. Gokhale stood on the front lines, witnessing and documenting the pivotal moments that shaped modern India's military and security landscape. His new book, 40 Years of Reporting on India's Conflicts, offers a powerful, first-hand account of the nation's trials and triumphs from the battlefield to the barracks.
From the Himalayas to Kargil: A Reporter's Journey
Gokhale's career as a conflict reporter began in the 1980s, but his narrative reaches back to the defining war of 1962. He provides a stark analysis of the Sino-Indian War, detailing the military and political failures that led to a traumatic defeat. The book doesn't shy away from the hard truths, highlighting the lack of preparedness and intelligence that cost India dearly in the high Himalayas.
The journey continues through the intense period of the Kashmir insurgency in the 1990s. Gokhale recounts the chaotic and brutal early years, where the Indian state struggled to respond to a violent uprising. He documents the evolution of the army's strategy, which gradually shifted from a purely militaristic approach to one incorporating "hearts and minds" campaigns aimed at winning over the local population.
The Kargil Turning Point and Modern Warfare
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the Kargil War of 1999. Gokhale, who reported extensively from the front during the conflict, offers fresh insights into the initial surprises, the fierce battles for peaks like Tololing and Tiger Hill, and the critical role of artillery. He emphasizes how Kargil was a watershed moment, leading to major reforms in India's defense procurement, intelligence apparatus, and the very structure of its military commands.
Gokhale also chronicles the less visible but persistent conflicts in India's Northeast, examining the complex web of ethnic aspirations and political negotiations. His account brings to light the long-term counter-insurgency efforts that have slowly brought a measure of stability to the region.
Beyond the Battlefield: Soldiers and Society
What sets this account apart is its focus on the human element. Gokhale delves into the life of the ordinary Indian soldier—the jawan. He explores their motivations, sacrifices, and the changing relationship between the armed forces and the civilian society they protect. The book paints a vivid picture of the camaraderie, hardship, and unwavering spirit found in uniform.
The 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrike are presented as key examples of India's new policy of assertive retaliation against cross-border terrorism. Gokhale analyzes these events as strategic shifts, signaling a departure from past restraint to a willingness to conduct precision operations inside enemy territory.
Throughout the narrative, Gokhale reflects on the immense changes in conflict journalism itself. He contrasts the era of limited communication with today's 24/7 news cycle and the challenges of real-time reporting amidst misinformation. His work stands as a testament to the importance of credible, on-ground reporting in an age of noise.
Ultimately, 40 Years of Reporting on India's Conflicts is more than a military history. It is a deeply personal chronicle of a nation navigating war, peace, and its own identity. Nitin A. Gokhale provides readers with an unparalleled window into the events and personalities that have defined India's security paradigm, reminding us of the enduring cost of conflict and the resilience of those who face it.
