India marks 60 years of 1965 Pak win, Rajnath Singh recalls Abdul Hamid's valour

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday led the nation in commemorating the diamond jubilee of India’s victory in the 1965 war against Pakistan, paying tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Speaking at an event organised by the Indian Army at South Block in New Delhi, Singh interacted with veterans and the families of the fallen. In his address, he hailed the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who ensured India’s victory six decades ago.

“Pakistan thought it could frighten us through infiltration, guerrilla tactics and surprise attacks. But every Indian soldier serves the motherland with the conviction that the sovereignty and integrity of the nation will never be compromised,” Singh said.

He highlighted the unmatched bravery displayed during key battles such as Asal Uttar, Chawinda and Phillora, making special mention of Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for destroying several enemy tanks before laying down his life at Asal Uttar.

“Our brave Abdul Hamid taught us that bravery is not about the size of the weapon, but the size of the heart,” Singh said. “Even in the most difficult circumstances, the combination of courage, restraint and patriotism can make the impossible possible.”

Crediting the political leadership of the time, Singh said victory was not achieved by the armed forces alone. “No war is fought only on the battlefield; victory is the result of the collective resolve of the entire nation. Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s decisive leadership not only guided the country through adversity but also raised national morale to new heights.”

Linking the legacy of 1965 to the present, Singh described the recent Operation Sindoor as an example of India’s unshakable resolve. Referring to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, he said, “It shook us but didn’t break our morale. Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to teach the terrorists a lesson they could never have imagined. The coordination and courage with which our forces executed Operation Sindoor proves that victory is no longer an exception for us; it has become our habit.”

Singh reaffirmed the government’s “top priority” towards the welfare of serving soldiers, veterans and the families of martyrs. He said defence modernisation, better training and equipment upgrades are being pursued to ensure that the armed forces never face a shortage of resources.

The event was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Western Command chief Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, Delhi Area commander Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, other senior officers, decorated veterans and families of war heroes.

In his welcome address, Lt Gen Katiyar offered a historical overview of the Western Command’s role in the war, detailing its operational challenges and victories. A specially curated documentary was screened, revisiting the battles of Asal Uttar, Akhnoor and Khem Karan.

Veterans also shared personal accounts, including Lt Gen Satish K Nambiar (Retd), who offered strategic reflections, and Vir Chakra awardee Maj RS Bedi (Retd), who recounted his battlefield experience.

The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the 1965 war and aimed to inspire future generations to uphold the enduring values of courage, sacrifice and service before self.

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