Synopsis India and Pakistan have been fighting each other in Jammu and Kashmir since 1947. None of these conflicts ended decisively. The 1999 Kargil war, therefore, was the continuation of an unresolved problem. But this time, it involved the physical occupation of a sizeable piece of territory by Pakistan on the Indian side of the Line of Control; it took place between two democracies and putative nuclear weapon powers and could have escalated out of control. For these reasons it was exceptional.

Kargil: The Tables Turned provides a comprehensive review of past motivations and events; it covers the operational aspects of the 1999 war in their entirety and highlights the heroism, and sacrifice of the young officers and soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces. It brings out useful military lessons and perspectives. The book analyses India's political and diplomatic responses, and the role of the USA, China and G-8 countries, during the crisis. The concluding chapter speculates on the future of Indo-Pak relations and highlights some unique aspects of this South Asian Conflict.