In the summer of 1965 we had to deal with the operations against Pakistan first in Kutch and then in Kashmir and Punjab.  At that time we were still underequipped as new weapons had only just started coming in and had not been introduced into the service.  The tank fleet consisted of tanks over 20 years old and infantry weapons were not much better.  Similar were the conditions in the Air force and Navy.  However there was no alternative but to fight it out.  Unlike the 1962 operations there was a much close relationship between the Minister and the Chiefs resulting in the operations being conducted more smoothly.  Our handicap of being outmatched in weapons, was minimised because of their relationship between the Minister and the Chiefs.

At this time in 1964-76 I as Vice-Chief of Staff was in closer contact with him and appreciated all these sterling qualities he had been gifted with.  He was an excellent boss who never interferred with you and let you get on with it if you were doing a good job.  

A leader in any field whether in the Armed Forces, in commerce or in industry  or as an Government official, has to have intellect, a capacity for handling men, understanding their difficulties and their problems.  In all these cases each will be an expert in his own field.  This is essential of one had to fulfill one's task successfully.

On the other hand a politician when appointed as a Minister has only a superficial knowledge of the Department he takes over, but inspite of this handicap he has to work competently to be a success.  In addition to other qualities of a leader he has to quickly learn and grasp the rudiments of the subject.  He will have to accept that lack of knowledge means that he will have to give full freedom of action to his subordinates and yet know how to control them and assess their competence.  He has this quality in abundance.  His relationship with the three Chiefs were such that they worked hard for him and their respect for each other was mutual.

I have outlined to difficult tasks ha had before him when he took over the Ministry.  That he succeeded in this task in a comparatively brief period proved his capability.  I did know much of his work as a revolutionary leader in the 1940's but having seen what he did in the Defence Ministry I can understand why he was outstanding in the field.