My Years with Nehru: The Chinese Betrayal by B.N. Mullik, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau from 1950 to 1965, was published in 1971 The book provides an insider's account of the events leading up to the 1962 Sino-Indian War, offering a critical perspective on the policies and decisions of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the Indian government.Mullik's book delves into the historical context of Sino-Indian relations, particularly focusing on the period leading up to the 1962 war. It examines the border disputes, the political dynamics, and the intelligence assessments that shaped India's approach to China. Mullik, drawing from classified material and his own experiences, presents a detailed narrative of the events, aiming to unravel the truth behind the conflict. He begins by exploring the history of Tibet. The book offers insights into the roles played by key figures, including Nehru himself, in shaping India's China policy. Mullik’s position as the Director of the Intelligence Bureau gave him access to classified information, allowing him to provide a unique perspective on the decisions made at the highest levels of government.

Insider Perspective: My Years with Nehru: The Chinese Betrayal offers a unique insider perspective on the events leading up to the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Mullik's position as the Director of the Intelligence Bureau allowed him to witness firsthand the decision-making processes and the flow of information within the Indian government. Critical Analysis: The book provides a critical analysis of India's China policy and the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru. Mullik's perspective challenges conventional narratives and offers a contrasting viewpoint on the causes of the 1962 war. Historical Record: Mullik's account contributes to the historical record of the Sino-Indian War. By drawing on classified material and personal experiences, he adds depth and complexity to the understanding of this significant event in Indian history.

Intelligence Failure: A central theme of Mullik's book is the alleged intelligence failure on the part of the Indian government. Mullik suggests that the Intelligence Bureau, under his leadership, provided warnings and assessments that were not adequately heeded by the political leadership. He highlights instances where the government's assessment of Chinese intentions and capabilities differed from the intelligence gathered by his bureau. Nehru's Policies: The book critically examines Nehru's policies towards China, particularly his emphasis on peaceful coexistence and non-alignment. Mullik suggests that Nehru's idealistic approach blinded him to the realities of Chinese expansionism and the potential threat posed by China. He also points to the "forward policy" adopted by India in November 1961 as a factor that provoked China. This policy involved establishing new Indian posts to restrict Chinese expansion, but it was implemented without adequate troop numbers, combat support, or logistics. Border Disputes: The book addresses the complex issue of the border disputes between India and China. Mullik presents the Indian perspective on the boundary, contrasting it with the Chinese claims. He emphasizes the historical context of the border, including the attempts by the British to demarcate it between 1847 and 1914. Leadership and Accountability: Mullik's work implicitly raises questions about leadership and accountability during times of crisis. By highlighting the alleged intelligence failures and the shortcomings in political decision-making, he suggests that those in positions of power should be held responsible for the consequences of their actions. Defense Preparedness: Mullik underscores the significance of defense preparedness and military readiness. The Indian Army's assessment that China could not muster more than 5,000 troops facing eastern Ladakh was incorrect, as Lt Gen Daulat Singh warned in August 1962 that Beijing had 15,000 troops. Tibet's History: Mullik starts the book by providing a brief overview of Tibet's history. He discusses the early tribes and their unification in 127 B.C. by King Nya-Tri-Tsenpo, as well as the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet.

My Years with Nehru: The Chinese Betrayal is culturally significant because it reflects the disillusionment and introspection that followed India's defeat in the 1962 war. The book's critical perspective on Nehru, who was a revered figure in India, challenged the prevailing narrative and sparked debate about the country's foreign policy and leadership. It serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, strategic thinking, and realistic assessment in international relations.

Sparked Debate: The book ignited discussions about the causes of the 1962 war and the effectiveness of India's foreign policy. It prompted a re-evaluation of Nehru's legacy and a reassessment of India's approach to China. Challenged Official Narratives: Mullik's account challenged the official narratives surrounding the war, presenting an alternative perspective based on his experiences and access to classified information. Contributed to a Sense of Betrayal: The title of the book, "The Chinese Betrayal, reflects a sense of betrayal and disillusionment that was prevalent in India following the war. Mullik's narrative reinforced this sentiment by highlighting what he perceived as intelligence failures and political miscalculations.

My Years with Nehru: The Chinese Betrayal by B.N. Mullik is a significant account that offers an insider's perspective on the events leading up to the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Through his critical analysis of Nehru's policies, his emphasis on intelligence failures, and his detailed account of the border disputes, Mullik provides valuable insights into the complexities of Sino-Indian relations. The book remains relevant for understanding the historical context of the conflict and the ongoing challenges in the relationship between India and China. However, it's important to recognize that Mullik's account is autobiographical and presents his own interpretation of events, with other perspectives also available. In fact, the events leading to the war have conflicting versions due to the absence of an authentic public account. Nonetheless, Mullik's book is an essential resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Sino-Indian War and its aftermath.