कारगिल युद्ध: हथियार कम, जरूरी कपड़े नहीं – जनरल वीपी मलिक की चौंकाने वाली बात

During the Kargil war in 1999, General Ved Prakash Malik, the Chief of the Army Staff at the time, revealed that the Indian Army was lacking sufficient weapons and appropriate clothing for the soldiers. Due to budget constraints in the early 90s, the army had to rely on minimal essentials, yet the brave soldiers showed immense courage and valor to win the war. General Malik mentioned that the sudden attack by Pakistan due to intelligence failure and the challenges of high mountains and glaciers posed additional difficulties for the soldiers. Special uniforms and equipment were required to combat these situations, which were in short supply.

General Malik also highlighted the lack of aerial surveillance during the winter months, as Pakistan’s infiltration went undetected. With no drones, radars, or ground surveillance tools available at the time, tracking the enemy’s movements was a challenge. The shortage of weapons, ammunition, and other equipment further added to the difficulties faced by the soldiers. The budget constraints in the 1990s forced the army to rely on minimal essentials, which hindered their preparedness.

Reflecting on the aftermath of India’s nuclear tests in 1998, General Malik pointed out that the Western sanctions created challenges for the country. Despite this, India’s defense technology has seen significant advancements, and self-reliance in defense production is now a priority. Today, in the face of new threats and conflicts, political thinking has become more proactive, which is a positive development.

Regarding current threats, General Malik emphasized that China poses a greater danger than Pakistan along the borders. He expressed confidence that a large-scale attack like Kargil is unlikely to be repeated, given the advancements in defense technology and strategies. The evolving landscape of risks and conflicts necessitates a more proactive political approach, which is essential for national security.

In conclusion, General Malik’s insights shed light on the challenges faced by the Indian Army during the Kargil war and the subsequent developments in defense capabilities. The journey towards self-reliance in defense production and the changing dynamics of national security underscore the importance of staying vigilant and prepared in the face of evolving threats.