Support has been growing for the newly commissioned Army captain, Bharat Bhardwaj, over debate surrounding his recent proposal to his partner at a passing-out parade ceremony in Maharashtra.
Viral videos of the proposal showed the newly commissioned pilot in ceremonial uniform going down on one knee on the tarmac before presenting a ring to his partner.
Several retired senior military officers have now rallied behind the young captain, dismissing suggestions of any serious security breach and criticising what they called excessive outrage.
Retired lieutenant general HS Panag said such situations were not uncommon during service and argued that young officers should not be subjected to unnecessary scrutiny.
Former chief of integrated defence staff Lt Gen (retd.) Satish Dua also criticised the backlash around the viral images and rejected suggestions that the photographs compromised security.
Retired Indian Army general officer DP Pandey called out the negativity around the proposal and said there is too much smoke without any fire.
Lieutenant General (retd) Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon also strongly defended the officer and slammed what he described as 'petty criticism' over a 'pure gesture of love'.
