There was a time when India was not taken seriously on global forums, but today, a new, strong and organised India has emerged before the world, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh claimed on Wednesday.
Addressing the fifth edition of the Major Bob Khathing Memorial Event jointly organised by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and United Services Institution of India in Delhi to honour the life and legacy of Major Khathing, who played a major role in integrating Tawang into India, the defence minister compared revocation of Article 370 of the Constitution to Tawang's integration into India.
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh, at the 5th Major Bob Khathing Memorial Event in Delhi Cantt, urged citizens to prioritize the nation, uphold unity, perform duties with integrity, and pursue goals fearlessly—principles exemplified by Major Khathing. He lauded Major Khathing’s… pic.twitter.com/fDbLokdvVc
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) March 19, 2025
He pointed out that Major Khathing efficiently carried out the integration of Tawang without firing a single bullet and claimed that the current government too did something similar. “We completely merged Jammu and Kashmir into India by removing the biggest hurdle—Article 370—without firing a single bullet. The work was carried out peacefully with full security, keeping all the stakeholders in mind.”
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The defence minister further said the government’s foreign policy is based on the diplomatic skills of personalities such as Major Khathing, and added that today, India is maintaining a balance between its hard power and soft power amidst the prevailing uncertainties in the multipolar world.
Paying glowing tributes to Major Khathing, Singh called him "a great son of India, who left an indelible mark in the history of the country through his bravery in the battlefield and skill in the field of diplomacy" and said India has been fortunate that it is home to such prominent personalities for whom security, integrity and sovereignty of the nation are paramount.
Further, the defence minister highlighted the administrative proficiency of Major Khathing, especially his contribution in the formation of Sashastra Seema Bal and Nagaland Armed Police and other such reforms.
