There seems to have been direct interlocution between political head PM Indira Gandhi and the Army Chief General Manekshaw on all military matters at the time of 1971 war. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi gave him a cold stare. Subsequently, on many occasions, Indira Gandhi used to give him direct calls to discuss various important issues. There was no intermediary like Defence Minister or Defence Secretary in between. When post 1971 war, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi offered the post of Ambassador to Field Marshal Manekshaw post retirement as army chief, he refused point-blank.

Source: The Herald December 17, 2023 20:03 UTC