Lieutenant General Hanut Singh Rathore

Lt. Gen. Hanut Singh Rathore (1933 – 11 April 2015) was a decorated officer of the Indian Army, recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal. He is widely recognized as the Hero of the Battle of Basantar during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. On his death anniversary, he is remembered for his exceptional service and valor.

Recognition

He is the only Indian soldier whose bravery was acknowledged by Pakistan with the honorary title Fakhr-e-Hind after the 1971 war. Additionally, he is respected in Bangladesh, where he is fondly referred to as the Friend of Bangladesh.

Early Life and Background

Lt. Gen. Hanut Singh was born in Jasol, Barmer district, Rajasthan, to Lt. Col. Arjun Singh. He was commissioned into the Poona Horse regiment, a distinguished armoured regiment of the Indian Army.

Military Career

Indo-Pakistani War of 1971

During the 1971 war, Hanut Singh commanded the 47 Infantry Brigade. His brigade was tasked with establishing a bridgehead across the Basantar River in the Shakargarh sector. On 16 December 1971, he led his forces through a heavily mined river crossing and secured positions for the advancing infantry battalions.

Despite multiple counter-attacks by Pakistani forces, Lt. Col. Hanut Singh moved fearlessly from one threatened sector to another, boosting the morale of his troops. His unit successfully destroyed 48 Pakistani tanks, earning him the title Hero of Battle of Basantar. For his gallantry, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.

Operation Brasstacks

In 1986–87, he commanded the II Corps during Operation Brasstacks, a major military exercise which brought India and Pakistan close to war. The operation was said to be larger than any NATO exercise and the biggest since World War II. Pakistan described it as a “blitzkrieg-like integrated offensive strategy.”

Legacy

Lt. Gen. Hanut Singh continues to be revered within the Indian Army not just for his military accomplishments, but also for his exemplary character. He is regarded as one of the most respected officers in the history of the Indian Army.