Additional Details

India and Pakistan: Borders of History

A human perspective on one of the major conflicts of the 20th century.

Ayelet Idelberg — anthropologist and researcher of East Asian and Pacific cultures; lecturer, writer, photographer, and tour guide.

The fascinating film The Diplomat brings to the cinema the courageous and extraordinary story of India’s current ambassador to Israel, J. P. Singh, during his time as India’s ambassador to Pakistan. This compelling story was adapted into an excellent feature film that achieved tremendous success.

In the lecture before the film, we will explore the historical background that led to the complex relationship between India and Pakistan:

When the British left the Indian subcontinent in 1947, they left behind not only a geographic division—but also an open wound that has not healed to this day.

Millions of people were uprooted from their homes, communities were torn apart, and the conflict between India and Pakistan became a reality on the ground—and at times, a battlefield.

In this lecture, we will explore the history of the rift between India and Pakistan and the dramatic moments in which two countries were born out of one.

We will examine how a political and religious division created two rival national entities, and how this tension continues to unfold to the present day through wars, diplomatic crises, and failed attempts at reconciliation.

What is happening today between India and Pakistan?

We will also discuss Mahatma Gandhi—the man who dreamed of independence without struggle, worked for unity between Hinduism and Islam, and was murdered precisely because of his conciliatory views.

Gandhi’s figure hovers above the historic partition as a reminder of what might have been—and of how it ultimately became a historical tragedy.

We will meet the man whose dramatic and extraordinary life story inspired the film: J. P. Singh, India’s current ambassador to Israel.

Full-Length Film Screening: The Diplomat

The Diplomat is a gripping political drama directed by Shivam Nair, starring film star John Abraham and actress Sadiah Khatib. The film draws inspiration from a true incident that shook India–Pakistan relations, bringing to the big screen a powerful story of courage, morality, and diplomatic complexity.

At the center of the plot is J. P. Singh, an experienced Indian diplomat serving as head of the Indian mission in Pakistan. His life takes a sharp turn when, on May 5, 2017, a distressed woman named Uzma Ahmed arrives at the embassy gates.

Uzma claims that she was kidnapped and forced to marry Tahir, a Pakistani man of Pashtun origin. She recounts the severe abuse she suffered and begs for help.

The handling of Uzma’s case exposes an entire system of moral dilemmas, interstate tensions, and mutual suspicion.

The Diplomat is not merely a film about diplomacy—it is a moving human story about compassion, courage, and the boundaries of responsibility. The film combines a true story, powerful performances, and a rare glimpse behind the scenes of global diplomacy.

Beyond its gripping drama, the film is also a biographical work: it is based on the personal story of J. P. Singh, who currently serves as India’s ambassador to Israel and is one of the most prominent figures in the Indian diplomatic service. Upon completing his term in Israel, he is considered a leading candidate for the position of Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

Language: Hindi
Duration: 131 minutes