" From 1959 onwards the situation on the border with China became increasingly tense. It soon became a cause for national concern.
In the letters Chaudhury received from Jawaharlal Nehru, about China, he had a hunch about the divergence of views between Nehru and Sardar Patel.

The NEFA Reverse, which occurred on 20 October 1962, rocked India's political and military foundations. The nation reacted with anger to the absoluteness of this event.

In the words of Brig. John Dalvi, "1962 was a national failure of which every Indian is guilty. It was a failure in the Higher Direction of War, a failure of the Opposition, a failure of the General Staff (myself included); it was a failure of responsible public opinion and the Press. For the government of India, it was a Himalayan Blunder at all levels. "

― P.V. Narasimha Rao , The Insider