The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace [Hardcover] (RARE BOOKS)

Book Summary

The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace is a rare non-fiction work built around a unique dialogue between two former intelligence chiefs from rival nations—India’s RAW and Pakistan’s ISI. The book is structured as a conversation rather than a traditional narrative, bringing together A.S. Dulat (former head of India’s Research and Analysis Wing) and Asad Durrani (former head of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence), moderated by journalist Aditya Sinha.

Through discussions held in neutral locations outside their countries, the book explores sensitive geopolitical themes such as Kashmir, terrorism, back-channel diplomacy, military strikes, intelligence failures, and the long-standing trust deficit between India and Pakistan. Instead of offering sensational revelations, it presents reflective, sometimes surprising personal viewpoints from both sides of the intelligence divide, showing where understanding exists—and where it remains an “illusion of peace.”

The book is valued more for its concept and rare format than for dramatic disclosures, offering readers an insider’s perspective on how intelligence thinking shapes regional conflict and diplomacy in South Asia.

About the Authors

A. S. Dulat

A.S. Dulat is a former chief of India’s external intelligence agency, RAW, and one of India’s most experienced intelligence officials, particularly known for his work on Kashmir and internal security issues. After retirement, he became an author and commentator on national security, frequently writing about intelligence, politics, and India–Pakistan relations.

Asad Durrani

Asad Durrani is a retired Lieutenant General of the Pakistan Army and former head of Pakistan’s ISI. Known for his intelligence career during key periods of Indo-Pak relations, he later gained attention for engaging in cross-border dialogue, offering rare Pakistani intelligence perspectives on regional security and diplomacy.

Aditya Sinha

Aditya Sinha is an Indian journalist and editor who played the role of moderator in the book. He helped structure the conversations between the two former spy chiefs, guiding discussions across sensitive geopolitical topics and shaping the dialogue into a coherent narrative.