THE CROSSROADS: Kashmir—India’s Bridge to Xinjiang by Kulbhushan Warikoo [Paperback]

The Anglo-Russian rivalry during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries reached unprecedented heights. The two imperial powers engaged in a war of nerves, each vying for control over the vast territories of Central Asia. The British were quick to realize Kashmir’s potential as a strategic listening post to monitor Russian activities beyond the formidable Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges. Kashmir’s close sociocultural and economic ties with Xinjiang (in present-day China), and other Central Asian regions since ancient times, facilitated the British in their endeavours to contain Russian designs in Central Asia.

The Crossroads traces the history of Kashmir as a melting pot between India and Xinjiang. Exhaustively researched, this authoritative account unravels the intricate power dynamics in the region. It sheds light on India–Xinjiang relations as a crucial historical determinant, providing valuable insights into contemporary relations between Delhi and Beijing. This book is a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the complex tapestry of regional history and politics. The study also offers important lessons for understanding Chinese premeditated strategy in Hunza, Gilgit and beyond, presenting Kashmir’s perspective on the Sino-Indian border in the Ladakh sector.