India, Sept. 20 -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday hailed then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and the Indian soldiers for India's victory over Pakistan in the 1965 war, saying it was a test of the nation's strength. Singh said India managed to face the uncertainty and challenges in 1965 due to the "strong-willed" leadership of Shastri as he not only provided decisive political leadership, but also raised the morale of the entire nation.

The defence minister was interacting with the veterans and the families of the fallen heroes of the 1965 war at an event. Asserting that Indians have time-and-again proved that the country creates its own destiny, Singh described Operation Sindoor as a shining example of this firm resolve. "O...