PM praises Chavan at book launch

Calling Chavan a tactical planner and a strategic thinker, Singh at the book launch of Pradhan8217;s 1965 War8212;Inside Story said, 8220;Yashwantraoji took a determined and considered view that there could be no military solution to the Kashmir issue. He was convinced that any lasting solution has to be a politically negotiated one.8221;

Terming the book a mature effort, Singh reiterated a well-balanced and normal relationship between the civil machinery and the military leadership of the nation, which was evident not only in peacetime but had also surfaced during the 1965 and the 1971 wars.

8220;They worked together and stood as one, and the fundamental basis of our democratic and republican Constitution was never questioned. We should feel truly proud of this heritage. I believe even today the professionalism and discipline of our men in uniform is one of our great national assets,8221; added Singh.

Also present at the function were Defence Minister A K Antony and Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh amongst other dignitaries.

Y B Chavan, the first Chief Minister of Maharashtra, was the Defence Minister during the 1965 war and also held other important portfolios in the Union such as Finance and Home.