As the first Indian woman diplomat stationed in Islamabad, Ruchi Ghanashyam writes about the intricacies of cross-border relationships set against the relentless drumbeat of history.

From 1997 to 2000, Ruchi and her husband A.R. Ghanashyam traversed the political corridors of Islamabad, bearing witness to seismic events that shook the region to its core. From the thunderous echoes of the India–Pakistan nuclear tests to the harrowing shadows of the Kargil conflict, their tale unfolds against the backdrop of geopolitical upheaval. Complete with a first-hand account from the author’s husband of the tense moments following the hijacking of the Indian Airlines flight IC 814, this is a book that recounts their experiences from the frontlines of history. And yet, beneath these headline-grabbing events, Ruchi Ghanashyam’s narrative invites us to contemplate not just the challenges facing Pakistan but also the boundless potential for change and understanding, proving that sometimes, the most powerful diplomacy happens not in grand summits but in the quiet moments of cross-cultural understanding.

With its geopolitical and sociocultural commentary, An Indian Woman in Islamabad is an invaluable perspective on a critical period in South Asian history.