The book is based on the extensive 32 months hands on experience of the author with the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) and the informal notes maintained by him. It has carved a niche for itself by covering the three relatively unexplored facets of the IPKF operations which exercised an overpowering influence on its turn of events. The impact of the politico-military nature of the mission, the forward contingency planning or lack of it, and the very interesting presence of brigade strength of mechanised force with the IPKF. The book has objective answers to questions that should have been asked and yet not asked, such as “Why did the Indian state, known for its averseness to employ mechanised force in counter-insurgency operations, ab initio augment an infantry division with a mechanised infantry battalion for peacekeeping role?” It offers overview of the IPKF military operations, and comparative study of the relative combat power of Sri Lanka Army, the Tamil militant group the LTTE, and the IPKF. It dwells on the mechanised force operations with decisive impact in shaping the overall battlefield environment, and conduct of the successful deinduction of IPKF from Sri Lanka under the most volatile military conditions, something which neither the US nor the Russians could achieve while withdrawing their troops from Afghanistan! The book discusses battlefield dynamics normally brushed under the carpet, the intangible ‘human factor’, the indefinable elements of ‘sixth sense’ and ‘fear’, and the human cost of war on the families of the combatants, through powerful narratives by those directly impacted. The book culminates with learnings from the IPKF chapter of the Indian military and their continued relevance to the ongoing geopolitical milieu, the current trends in military interventions, and the most pragmatic path for India. A unique philatelic tribute to the IPKF, ninety odd coloured and black and white action pictures, maps, and illustrations add to the value.