National Solidarity Day is annually observed across India on 20 October to honour, respect, and promote the bravery and strength of the Indian armed forces.
- The day is dedicated to mark the national integrity displayed by India during the 1962 conflict with China(Indo-China War)
- The day is also plays tribute to all the brave souls who lost their lives during the Sino-Indian War which started on 20th October 1962 and ended on 21 November 1962.
20 October 2023 marks the 61st anniversary of the India-China war.
Background:
i.On 20th October 1962, China launched a surprise attack on India’s northeastern frontier, claiming disputed territories in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
iii.Despite the courage and dedication of India’s military personnel, India suffered a humiliating defeat and lost thousands of lives in the war.
iv.In 1966, a committee was set up under the leadership of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to honour the martyrs of the war and to promote a sense of patriotism and solidarity among the citizens.
v.The committee decided to designate October 20 as National Solidarity Day. This day continues to be marked as National Solidarity Day, dedicated to honouring the armed forces each year.
About Indo-China War 1962:
i.The war began on 20 October 1962 between the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the armed wing of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and the principal military force of China and the Military of India.
- The conflict coincided closely with the Cuban Missile Crisis which began in 1962.
ii.The first heavy engagement of the war was a Chinese attack on an Indian patrol north of the McMahon Line.
iv.The conflict eventually widened to include the region of Aksai Chin which China regarded as a strategic link, via the China National Highway route G219, between the Chinese-administered territories of Tibet and Xinjiang.
v.The war ended when the Chinese captured the disputed area and unilaterally declared a ceasefire on 20 November 1962.
