MJ Akbar is a veteran Indian journalist, author and politician, who had also served as the Minister of State for External Affairs. During his long career in journalism, he has been the Editor of India's leading newspapers. Akbar launched what is considered by some to be India's first modern newspaper, The Telegraph. He has written several non-fiction books, including a biography of Jawaharlal Nehru, titled Nehru: The Making of India, a book on Kashmir, titled Kashmir Behind the Vale, Riot After Riot and India: The Siege Within. He also authored The Shade of Swords, a history of jihad.