‘If India points its finger in Pakistan’s affairs, America will not turn a blind eye, India will be taught a lesson.’
-Richard Nixon.
‘India considers America as a friend. Not the boss. India is capable of writing its own destiny. We know how to deal with each according to the circumstances?”
- Indira Gandhi
Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi expressed these exact words while sitting with US President Richard Nixon in the White House, eye to eye, without blinking.
In his autobiography, Henry Kissinger, who was America’s NSA and Secretary of State at that time, has recorded this detail.
That was the day when the India-US joint media address was canceled by Indira Gandhi, who in her own inimitable style left the White House.
Leaving Indira Gandhi in her car, Kissinger said, “Madam Prime Minister, don’t you think you should have been a little more patient with the President?”
Indira Gandhi replied, “Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for your valuable suggestion. Being a developing country, we have a straight spine – and enough will and resources to fight all atrocities.
We will prove that gone are the days when a “power” thousands of miles away can rule and often control any nation.”
As soon as her Air India Boeing landed on the Palam runway in Delhi on return, Indira Gandhi immediately called opposition leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee to her residence. After an hour of discussion behind closed doors, Vajpayee was seen returning hurriedly. After this it became known that Vajpayee would represent India in the United Nations.
BBC’s Donald Paul asked Vajpayee, “Indira ji regards you as a staunch critic. Despite this, don’t you think that you would be in favor of the current government’s stance while speaking at the United Nations?”
Vajpayee responded that “A rose decorates a garden, and the lilies also decorate the garden. Everyone is surrounded by the idea that they are individually the most beautiful. When the garden is in trouble, Everyone has to protect it. I have come to save the garden today. This is called Indian democracy.”
We all know the resulting history.
America sent 270 famous Patton tanks to Pakistan. He called on the world media to show that these tanks were built under special technology, and thus are indestructible. The intention was very clear. This was a warning signal to the rest of the world that no one should help India.
America did not stop here.
Burma-Shell, the only American company supplying oil to India, was asked to shut down. They were strictly asked by the US to stop trading with India anymore.
After that the history of India is only about fighting back. Indira Gandhi’s sharp diplomacy ensured that the oil came from Ukraine.
A battle lasting just one day destroyed 270 of these Patton tanks. The destroyed tanks were brought to India for display and the hot desert of Rajasthan still stands as a witness to where the pride of the US was destroyed.
After this, as a result of the war that lasted for eighteen days, 1.0 lakh prisoners of war were made from Pakistan. Mujibar Rehman released from Lahore jail.
It was the month of March – Indira Gandhi recognized Bangladesh as an independent nation in the Indian Parliament.
Vajpayee addressed Indira Gandhi as ‘Maa Durga’.
The results of these incidents are as follows-
-India’s own oil company, i.e. Indian Oil came into existence.
-India proved itself as a powerful nation in the eyes of the world.
-India led the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Its leadership was unquestioned.
However, people have forgotten all these incidents. But history still stands tall and should be passed on to future generations.
Dr Mbamalu on Quorra
