Armed forces were hesitant about air support, but the strongest caution against it came from intelligence and diplomatic channels, including IB director and US ambassador.
Even though structural, command & logistical issues stymied resistance, soldiers still put up heroic defence and counterattack, says military historian Colonel N.N. Bhatia (retd.)
Chinese viewed Nehru as member of Indian bourgeoisie who sought to create a ‘great Indian empire’. PRC also sought to prove its strength by delivering blow to India.
Series of encounters preceding war included Chinese seizure of Thagla ridge in August-September 1962, after which India launched Operation Leghorn to dislodge them by force if needed.
The Mishmi and Meyor lent support in Battle of Walong near LAC in 1962. With its disruption of Sino-Indian ties, the war also upended a centuries-old way of life for the tribes.
While 1962 Galwan incident is seen as trigger for war, many see it as an inevitable outcome of India-China diplomatic wrangling since 1959 after Dalai Lama's flight from Tibet.
The graduation is meant to bolster the legacy and legitimacy of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, even as the real-world preparedness lagged behind the glossy narrative.
Indonesia delegation led by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin visited BrahMos facility & met with top officials & undertook a detailed briefing on the missile system.
It is a brilliant, reasonably priced, and mostly homemade aircraft with a stellar safety record; only two crashes in 24 years since its first flight. But its crash is a moment of introspection.
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