What was the reason for India's approach to the United States and the United Kingdom during the 1962 conflict with China?
1) To request permission to use nuclear weapons
2) To seek military assistance
3) To negotiate a peace treaty
4) To provide economic support

Choose the correct answer from the given options:

2

In October 1962, China initiated a swift and massive invasion of both disputed regions. The initial attack lasted for a week, during which Chinese forces seized strategic areas in Arunachal Pradesh. Following that, a second wave of attack occurred the next month. While Indian forces managed to halt Chinese advances on the western front in Ladakh, on the eastern front, Chinese troops progressed nearly to the entry point of the Assam plains. Subsequently, China declared a unilateral ceasefire and withdrew its troops to their positions before the invasion.

The conflict had significant consequences for India domestically and internationally. India's reputation suffered both within the country and on the global stage. India had to seek military assistance from the United States and the United Kingdom to address the crisis. Despite India's close ties with the Soviet Union, the latter remained neutral during the conflict. This war brought about feelings of national humiliation while concurrently fostering a strengthened spirit of nationalism. The aftermath saw the resignation or retirement of several top army commanders, and Nehru's associate and the then Defence Minister, V. Krishna Menon, had to exit the cabinet. Nehru himself faced severe criticism for underestimating Chinese intentions and a lack of military preparedness. This period also marked a significant political shift, as a no-confidence motion against Nehru's government was introduced and debated in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India's Parliament). Subsequently, the Congress party faced defeats in crucial by-elections to the Lok Sabha, reflecting a changing political landscape in the country.