New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that today, India is maintaining a balance between its hard power and soft power amidst the prevailing uncertainties in a multipolar world.
Addressing the fifth edition of Major Bob Khathing Memorial Event, jointly organised by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and United Services Institution of India (USI) here, Rajnath said, “It is a matter of great pride that India has strengthened its global position”.
He said, “A new, strong and organised India has emerged before the world. There was a time when India was not taken seriously on international forums. But today, when we speak, the world listens. This is inspired by the ideals of Major Khathing”, a Defence Ministry statement said.
The Minister expressed satisfaction over the fact that India is touching greater heights due to the organisational skills imbibed from personalities like Major Khathing, an extraordinary figure who made invaluable contributions to the North-East region and national security.
He also stressed on the need to remain organised for India to transform into Viksit Bharat by 2047.
He called upon the people to always put nation first, remain united, discharge duties with honesty, and move fearlessly towards achieving their goals, which were the core principles of Major Bob Khathing.
Paying tributes to Major Bob Khathing, Rajnath Singh asserted that India has been fortunate that it is home to such prominent personalities for whom security, integrity and sovereignty of the nation is paramount.
He termed Major Khathing as a great son of India, who left an indelible mark in the history of the country through his bravery in the battlefield and skill in the field of diplomacy. Adding that, it is the responsibility of the people to adopt the ideals and principles of such great personalities.
While commending Major Khathing’s role in integrating, developing and rebuilding not only Tawang but the entire North-East region, Rajnath said, “Major Bob Khathing made a significant contribution in strengthening national unity. The work he carried out for the North-East is similar to what Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel did at the national level”.
He added that Major Bob Khathing efficiently carried out the integration of Tawang into India without firing a single bullet, and the Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, follows the principles of such revolutionaries.
“We completely merged Jammu and Kashmir into India by removing the biggest hurdle – Article 370 – without firing a single bullet. The work was carried out peacefully with full security, keeping all the stakeholders in mind,” he said.
Singh highlighted the administrative proficiency of Major Khathing, especially his contribution in the formation of Sashastra Seema Bal and Nagaland Armed Police and other such reforms.
It may be mentioned that the Defence Minister had, in October 2024, virtually inaugurated Major Ralengnao ‘Bob’ Khathing ‘Museum of Valour’ in Tawang.
Rajnath Singh acknowledged the role of the North East in India’s development journey and voiced the Government’s commitment towards increasing the region’s contribution and its progress.
During the event, Rajnath Singh visited a specially curated photo gallery showcasing Major Bob Khathing’s remarkable achievements and enduring legacy.
The event was attended by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Alfred Kanngam Arthur, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Director General Assam Rifles Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera and DG, USI Maj Gen BK Sharma (Retd) among others.
Moreover, John Khathing, son of Major Bob Khathing, shared heartfelt reminiscences about his father’s remarkable life and legacy, adding a personal dimension to the commemoration.
