Why was Nehru criticized for the China War?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Lack of military preparedness.
Option (1) Lack of military preparedness. — Correct. After the China war of 1962, Nehru was severely criticised for his naïve assessment of the Chinese intentions and the lack of military preparedness.
Option (2) Accurate assessment of the Chinese intentions. — Incorrect. The criticism was the reverse: his assessment of Chinese intentions was called naïve.
Option (3) Non-support from NATO. — Incorrect. India had to approach the Americans and the British for military assistance, but nobody blamed Nehru for any lack of NATO support.
Option (4) Resumption of full diplomatic relations with China. — Incorrect. Full diplomatic relations with China were restored only in 1976, more than a decade after the war and after Nehru’s time.
NCERT (2025-26): “The Chinese invasion, 1962 … The China war dented India’s image at home and abroad. India had to approach the Americans and the British for military assistance to tide over the crisis. The Soviet Union remained neutral during the conflict. It induced a sense of national humiliation and at the same time strengthened a spirit of nationalism. Some of the top army commanders either resigned or were retired. Nehru’s close associate and the then Defence Minister, V. Krishna Menon, had to leave the cabinet. Nehru’s own stature suffered as he was severely criticised for his naïve assessment of the Chinese intentions and the lack of military preparedness. For the first time, a no-confidence motion against his government was moved and debated in the Lok Sabha.…” |