Spying in South Asia: Britain, the United States, and India’s Secret Cold War
By Paul M. McGarr
Cambridge University Press, 2024.
Paul M. McGarr’s new book delves into the ‘missing dimension’ of the Cold War as it unfolded in South Asia, specifically in India. Utilizing primary sources from archives in the United States, United Kingdom, and India, McGarr provides insights into the covert interventions by British and American intelligence and security agencies in the region. The book explores the historical experiences of Indian intelligence agencies and their interactions with foreign counterparts, shedding light on the lasting influence of these covert activities.
The central argument of the book posits that the interventions by British and American agencies in India during the Cold War were ultimately ‘misguided’ and ‘self-defeating’. McGarr questions why South Asians associate intelligence with covert action and repression, contrary to Western notions of surveillance. The narrative unfolds through a chronological and consequential exploration of how foreign intelligence agencies and Indian politicians shaped these perceptions over time.
The book also delves into the post-colonial evolution of Indian intelligence, highlighting the challenges faced by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru in establishing a national security apparatus distinct from the colonial legacy. The text examines the dynamics of intelligence cooperation between India and Western agencies amidst the backdrop of the Cold War, touch upon key events such as the signing of the Tashkent Declaration in 1966.
McGarr’s work underscores how covert interventions often disrupted diplomatic relations and offers insights into the complexities of intelligence partnerships during the Cold War. The book calls for a reevaluation of India’s engagement with foreign intelligence agencies and the use of ‘malevolent foreign hand’ narratives in domestic politics.
Overall, McGarr’s book is poised to spark debates on India’s relationship with intelligence agencies and its global implications. It sets the stage for further research on Cold War intelligence in South Asia and comparative studies of intelligence relationships with Pakistan and India.
References
Chaya, D.P. (2022) India’s Intelligence Culture and Strategic Surprises: Spying for South Block. Routledge, pp. 88-120.
Balachandran, V. (2022) Intelligence Over Centuries. Indus Source Books, pp. 106.
