Veteran Air Force Officer Emphasises Military Judgement Over Political Timelines
In a powerful address in Pune, Group Captain A G Bewoor (retired), a distinguished Indian Air Force officer renowned for his role in Operation Cactus in the Maldives in 1988, delivered a compelling message on Wednesday. He asserted that history provides unequivocal lessons on why professional military judgement must always take precedence over political timelines.
Historical Lessons from the 1971 War
Reflecting on the 1971 war, Bewoor recounted a pivotal moment when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi advocated for an April launch of military operations. However, Army chief General Sam Manekshaw, who later became a Field Marshal, firmly insisted on delaying until all preparations were fully complete. "He told her, ‘Jo uchit hai, main karunga' (I will do what is right). He took the necessary time, prepared the forces as per operational requirements, and then went to war. That is what doing what is ‘uchit' for the force means," Bewoor explained. This statement was made in response to a question regarding an unpublished book by former Army chief General M M Naravane.
Bewoor stressed that this principled approach is essential for military leaders to uphold consistently. He shared these insights while delivering the Jayant Tilak Memorial Lecture, organised by the Pune Patrakar Pratishthan, underscoring the enduring relevance of such leadership in contemporary defence strategies.
First-Hand Account of Operation Cactus Challenges
As the commanding officer of No. 44 squadron during India's swift military intervention in the Maldives in November 1988, Bewoor offered a vivid first-hand account of the formidable challenges faced. He described how forces were deployed with limited intelligence, under severe time constraints, and in unfamiliar terrain. "Despite multiple adversities, the Indian Armed forces displayed the highest order of military skill and executed the mission under extreme pressure," he recalled, highlighting the initial landing at Hulhulé airport and the rapid stabilisation that ensued.
Awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his bravery during Operation Cactus, Bewoor emphasised that the operation's significance extends far beyond its immediate tactical success. "The biggest outcome was that it demonstrated to military leaders across the world that the Indian Armed forces were capable of executing complex operations at very short notice," he stated.
Enduring Legacy of Operation Cactus
Operation Cactus remains a benchmark for India's expeditionary capability and rapid response, reinforcing New Delhi's strategic credibility in the Indian Ocean region. This historic mission continues to be studied and revered as a testament to the professionalism and resilience of the Indian Armed forces, serving as a model for future military engagements.
