The Former Spy Who Believes in Dialogue

The Former Spy Who Believes in Dialogue

From WORT 89.9FM Madison by WORT 89.9FM Madison

April 28, 2026 · 25 min

About this episode

The episode features an interview with Amarjit Singh Dulat, a former head of India's intelligence agency, discussing the importance of dialogue between India and Pakistan.

Amarjit Singh (A.S.) Dulat was the head of the Indian government’s Research and Analysis Wing or RAW, the equivalent of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. He also served in the Indian Prime Minister’s Office in charge of peace efforts in Kashmir. What makes Mr. Dulat remarkable is that he is someone who has been part of the highest level of the Indian establishment and he is a persistent advocate for dialogue and co-existence with Pakistan. For an ex-chief of India's central spy agency to stake out such a position and stick to this in the aftermath of a bitter India-Pakistan mini-conflict that has left virtually no contact between the governments of the two countries is truly unique. As can be heard in the interview, Mr. Dulat still asserts that dialogue is the only way out of the dead end the two countries currently find themselves in. But they are simply not talking to each other. A.S. Dulat Wikipedia page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._S._Dulat A.S. Dulat’s books Covert: The Psychology of War and Peace Kashmir the Vajpayee Years The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace A Life in the Shadows: A Memoir The Chief Minister and the Spy: An Unlikely Friendship

People in this episode

Guest: Amarjit Singh Dulat

Topics covered

  • India-Pakistan relations
  • dialogue
  • intelligence
  • peace efforts
  • Kashmir
  • conflict resolution

Keywords

  • Amarjit Singh Dulat
  • India
  • Pakistan
  • dialogue
  • Kashmir
  • intelligence
  • peace

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Research and Analysis Wing, U.S. Central Intelligence Agency

Books & works: Covert: The Psychology of War and Peace, Kashmir the Vajpayee Years, The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace, A Life in the Shadows: A Memoir, The Chief Minister and the Spy: An Unlikely Friendship

Places: India, Pakistan

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