Ghazala Wahab is a distinguished Indian journalist, author, and the executive editor of FORCE magazine, a premier publication on national security and defence. Her work is highly regarded for its in-depth examination of national security, Muslim identity, and India’s complex socio-political dynamics.
Wahab embarked on her journalism career in 1994. After training at The Asian Age, she served as a principal correspondent at The Telegraph, where she covered critical issues such as terrorism, communalism, and human rights. In 2003, she co-founded FORCE magazine with Pravin Sawhney, a turning point in her career. As executive editor, she guides the magazine’s content and contributes extensively on homeland security, terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, and extremism. Her monthly column, “First Person,” is a notable feature. Under her leadership, FORCE has established itself as a credible and influential voice, recognised within government and military circles.
Born in Agra, Wahab’s personal background has profoundly influenced her work. She grew up in a Muslim neighbourhood she describes as “riddled with poverty, illiteracy, backwardness,” though her father became a highly successful footwear exporter. A pivotal experience was her family’s move to an upscale, predominantly Hindu area, making them the sole Muslim family there. Their subsequent exposure to communal violence during the 1990 riots gave her a sharp, firsthand understanding of the precariousness of Muslim identity in India.
Her literary contributions have cemented her reputation. Wahab’s most significant work is Born a Muslim: Some Truths About Islam in India (2021). This acclaimed book masterfully combines memoir, history, and reportage to explore the practice of Islam in India and the challenges confronting its Muslim community. It won the Tata Literature Live! Book of the Year and the Atta Galatta-Bangalore Literature Festival Book of the Year awards in 2021. Her latest book, The Hindi Heartland: A Study (2025), is a magisterial examination of the politically vital North and Central Indian states. She also co-authored Dragon on Our Doorstep: Managing China Through Military Power (2017) and edited the essay collection The Peacemakers (2023).
Beyond her writing, Wahab has demonstrated considerable courage in her public life. In 2019, she testified as a witness for journalist Priya Ramani in the defamation case filed by former Union Minister M.J. Akbar. Wahab detailed her own experiences of alleged sexual harassment while working under Akbar, providing crucial support to the #MeToo movement in India.
Characterised by meticulous research and a commitment to bridging community divides, Wahab’s work continues to foster informed public dialogue. She remains an active and respected voice in literary and security circles, making significant contributions to the understanding of contemporary India’s most pressing challenges.