Ian Stephens (editor)

Ian Stephens (1903-1996) was a British journalist and editor, best known for his long tenure as editor of The Statesman, a leading English-language newspaper in India and later Pakistan, from 1942 to 1951. His editorship covered the crucial period leading up to and following the partition of India in 1947.

Stephens joined The Statesman in 1937 and rose to become editor, a position he held through the turbulent years of World War II, the Indian independence movement, and the Partition. He was known for his independent editorial stance, often critical of both the British government and the Indian National Congress. He was particularly critical of the way Partition was handled and the resulting violence and displacement.

After leaving The Statesman, Stephens returned to England and wrote several books, including Horned Moon (1953) and Pakistan (1963), reflecting on his experiences in South Asia and offering his perspectives on the events he witnessed. His writings are considered valuable historical sources for understanding the period leading up to and following Partition, particularly for their detailed observations and critical analysis of the political landscape. Despite his somewhat controversial positions, he is acknowledged as a significant figure in the history of Indian journalism and a keen observer of the subcontinent's transformation.