International diplomacy is about complex problems such as developing trade ties between nations, sorting out disputes, and statesmanship are dealt with. Senior journalist Vijay Naik has been based in New Delhi for the last 45 years and has had a ring-side view of this somewhat secret world. South Block – Delhi is perhaps the first Marathi book to explore this world. It offers a close-up of the various embassies of ‘Chanakyapuri’ and ‘Shantipath’. It contains interviews with ambassadors, ministers and political leaders. It also presents thoughts by experienced politicians and diplomats about Indo-American and Indo-Russian relations, flavoured with anecdotes – some grave, and some light.