Introduction
Few events in the intricate web of South Asian geopolitics have had as much of an impact as the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, commonly referred to as the Second India-Pakistan War. This 17-day conflict not only reshaped the military and diplomatic landscape of the Indian subcontinent but also exposed the deep-seated tensions between two newly independent nations struggling to define their identities and territorial boundaries.
Historical Context
The roots of the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War war trace back to the traumatic partition of (British India) in 1947, which left India and Pakistan locked in a perpetual state of mistrust and conflict. The unresolved Kashmir issue became the primary flashpoint, a territorial dispute that would define their relationship for decades to come.
Operation Gibraltar: Pakistan’s Secret Mission in 1965 Indo-Pakistani War
(Operation Gibraltar) was a secret military mission launched by Pakistan in 1965. Its goal was to challenge India’s control over Jammu and Kashmir and encourage the local population to rise against Indian rule.
Background of the Operation
Kashmir had been a point of conflict between India and (Pakistan) since 1947, when both countries were created after the partition of British India. Both nations claimed the region, leading to continuous tensions.
In 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, Pakistan’s leadership, under (President Ayub Khan) and military commander (General Akhtar Hussain Malik), devised a plan to weaken India’s hold on (Kashmir). They believed that a covert operation could disrupt Indian control and gain support from the Kashmiri people.
Details of the Operation:
As part of Operation Gibraltar, Pakistani soldiers were sent into Indian-controlled Kashmir. They were disguised as Mujahideen (freedom fighters) to avoid direct identification as Pakistani troops. Their mission was to attack Indian forces and encourage Kashmiri citizens to rebel against Indian authority.
Pakistan’s leaders assumed that the local Kashmiri population would join the mission and support the fight for independence. They believed this uprising could lead to a major crisis for India in the region.
Why the Plan Failed:
- Lack of Local Support: The Kashmiri people did not support the operation as expected because they were not fully aware of Pakistan’s mission.
- Indian Military Response: The Indian army quickly discovered the operation and stopped the infiltrators.
- Increased Tensions: India viewed Operation Gibraltar as an act of aggression, which escalated the conflict between the two countries.
The Outcome
The failure of Operation Gibraltar led to a full-scale war between India and Pakistan in September 1965. The conflict spread beyond Kashmir, with heavy fighting along the international borders.
The 1965 Indo-Pakistani War Beginning
Start of the War
“India launched Operation Grand Slam in reaction to Operation Jabal.”
On September 6, 1965, the Indian army crossed the international border and attacked Pakistan’s major cities, Lahore and Sialkot. These attacks led to the full-scale war between the two countries.
Attack on Lahore:
The Indian army assaulted the Pakistani city of Lahore on September 6, 1965, after crossing the international boundary. Through the Wagah road, the Indian soldiers moved closer to Lahore, but the Pakistani army resisted and halted their advance. Pakistan’s military put up a strong fight during the battle for Lahore, preventing the Indian army from taking the city.
Attack on Sialkot:
India also attacked the Sialkot region, which was a key defensive city for Pakistan. The importance of Sialkot lay in the fact that it housed crucial military positions. In the area of Chawinda, the (Pakistani Army) successfully fought off India’s tank attacks. This battle became one of the largest tank battles in history, where Pakistan pushed back India’s forces and defended the city. Despite India’s attempts to break through Pakistan’s defense lines in Sialkot, the Pakistani military provided strong resistance and forced the Indian forces to retreat.
Kashmir and Rajouri:
India launched attacks in various parts of Kashmir, especially in the (Rajouri and Poonch areas). The objective was to push back Pakistani forces in Kashmir and strengthen India’s position. However, Pakistan resisted India’s efforts, and the fighting continued along the Kashmir border.
Attacks on Chhati and Kolpur:
India also targeted border areas like (Chhati and Kolpur). Here, the Indian army aimed at Pakistan’s defensive positions and tried to push the Pakistani military back. However, Pakistan’s forces successfully countered these attacks and held their ground.
Siachen and Ladakh Border Attacks:
India launched attacks on Pakistan’s military positions in the (Siachen and Ladakh regions), both of which are strategically important. These areas were critical for Pakistan’s defense, and India attempted to weaken Pakistan’s control. Pakistan, however, managed to successfully defend these areas and repelled the Indian attacks.
Indian Air Force Attack:
The war also began with airstrikes. India carried out air raids on several of Pakistan’s airbases, including Muslim Town Airbase and Kashyap Pur Airbase. The Indian Air Force targeted Pakistan’s military and defense bases to limit the movement of Pakistani troops and supply routes. However, Pakistan’s Air Force responded strongly to the attacks, and fierce aerial battles took place between the two countries’ air forces.
Indian Forces Attack on Chenab and Jhelum Rivers:
India also attacked key areas along the Chenab and Jhelum Rivers, targeting Pakistani military positions. These areas were important because they were close to Pakistan’s defense lines and military supply routes. India aimed to weaken Pakistan’s defense system by attacking these regions. Despite the attacks, Pakistan successfully defended these areas and prevented India from making significant advances.
Pakistan’s Counterattack:
In response to India’s attacks, Pakistan launched counterattacks. Specifically, Pakistan launched operations in Siachen and Chakwal to push back Indian forces. The Pakistani military fought back against the Indian advances and defended its territory. There was also the threat of Indian attacks on major cities like Karachi and Multan, but Pakistan strengthened its defense lines and protected these cities.
Ceasefire and Tashkent Agreement
After the fighting between India and Pakistan in 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, both countries agreed to a ceasefire on September 22. Despite this, tensions remained high, and there were still some military actions:
Continued Fighting After the Ceasefire:
- Even after the ceasefire, India continued to attack Pakistan’s border positions in some areas. The Indian army especially focused on strengthening its positions in Kashmir and Poonch.
- India sent more troops into certain parts of Kashmir to challenge Pakistan’s defense lines and gain more control.
Air Strikes:
- India also carried out air strikes on Pakistani defense areas during the ceasefire. These air attacks aimed to limit Pakistan’s military movements and make it harder for them to manage their defense operations.
- The purpose of these air strikes was to pressure Pakistan’s air force and prevent them from responding effectively.
Global Pressure and Ceasefire:
- During the war, countries like the Soviet Union and the United States played a key role in urging both India and Pakistan to stop fighting and agree to a ceasefire.
- As a result, both nations pulled back their troops, and the (Tashkent Agreement) was signed. According to the agreement, both sides agreed to maintain their current positions along the border.
During the Tashkent Agreement, both India and Pakistan agreed to return the territories they had captured during the war. India had taken some parts of Kashmir, while Pakistan had kept its positions in Sialkot and other areas. The agreement aimed to restore the situation that existed before the war, meaning the areas each country controlled before the conflict would be returned. The main goal of the agreement was to resolve border disputes, but the Kashmir issue remained unresolved, leading to disappointment in Pakistan.
In summary, even after the ceasefire, both sides took military actions to strengthen their positions. International pressure led to a ceasefire and eventually a formal agreement between the two countries, but the conflict over Kashmir remained unresolved.
Even after the signing of the Tashkent Agreement, tensions between India and Pakistan remained high because the agreement did not provide a permanent solution to the Kashmir issue. Several key events happened soon after the agreement:
” Finally 1965 Indo-Pakistani War ” But
Reaction in Pakistan:
After the Tashkent Agreement, there was strong opposition in Pakistan, especially from the military leadership and the public. Many believed that Pakistan had made unnecessary diplomatic concessions to India, weakening its position. The agreement led to increased tension between Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy, and the military leadership.
General Ayub Khan’s Resignation:
- Pakistan’s political turmoil intensified following the Tashkent Agreement.
- General discontent resulted from the agreement’s unpopularity in several regions of Pakistan.
- The political crisis caused martial law to be declared and General Ayub Khan to resign in 1969, which resulted in a change of leadership in the nation.
China’s support for Pakistan added another layer of complexity to the conflict, indirectly challenging India’s regional influence and testing the geopolitical balance of power.
Conclusion: Lessons from a Forgotten War
The 1965 Indo-Pakistani War serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unresolved territorial disputes and the importance of diplomatic dialogue. While the conflict ended in a military stalemate, its psychological and strategic impacts reverberated through subsequent decades of South Asian geopolitics.
Key Takeaways
- Military solutions rarely resolve complex territorial disputes
- Diplomatic engagement is crucial for regional stability
- The human and economic costs of conflict far outweigh potential gains
Statistical Snapshot
- Total Casualties: Approximately 3,200-4,000 soldiers
- Duration: 17 days (August 5-23, 1965)
- Tanks Destroyed: Over 500 combined
- Aircraft Lost: Approximately 70-80 aircraft
” In the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, neither India nor Pakistan won completely. Both countries had some successes, but the war ended in a stalemate. A ceasefire was declared on September 22, 1965, and the Tashkent Agreement was signed. In this agreement, both countries agreed to return the areas they had captured. The Kashmir issue remained unresolved “.
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