''General Malik's book...stands out as perhaps the most valuable

contribution to our military literature since Independence.''

-The Tribune

''Malik deserves credit for a frank and refreshing analysis of the

first limited war fought by two nuclear powered states. His theory

about the possibilities of further conflict would go a long way in

shaping India's military strategy.''

-The Telegraph

''General Malik's account...is comprehensive, straight from the

shoulder and interesting to a range of readers.... This...volume

will certainly be a reference point, not just in discussions on the

Kargil conflict, but also in the way the Indian army perceives vital

issues like nuclear deterrence.''

-Business Standard


In February 1999, Pakistani Army personnel, disguised as jihadi militants, infiltrated into mountainous Kargil and occupied key vantage points. Their intrusion triggered a limited war between the world's newest nuclear states. It was a bitter battle, and one that threw up important lessons for India's defence preparedness, as also its responses to conflicts such as this. This incisive book by General V.P. Malik, former Chief of the Army Staff, analyses the reasoning behind the Pakistani Army's moves and tactics and reviews crucial issues such as the extent of intelligence and surveillance failure on the Indian side and the measures necessary to redress these failings. Away from questions of strategy and tactics, however, Kargil is also a reminder of the unalloyed heroism that was on display during those grim weeks, heroism that become a benchmark for valour.