Exploring the Indo-Pak 1965 War: History, Background, Major Battles, and Victory

Introduction to Indo-Pak War 1965

The Indo-Pak War 1965, or the Second Kashmir War, was sparked by Pakistan’s attempts to annex Jammu and Kashmir, leading to skirmishes between April and September 1965. The conflict began when Pakistan violated the 1960 Indo-Pak Border Agreement by infiltrating Indian territory in the Rann of Kutch and escalated with Operation Gibraltar aimed at Jammu and Kashmir. This aggression led to a full-scale war between the two nations. The Indo-Pak War 1965 was a significant conflict between India and Pakistan, primarily over the disputed region of Kashmir. It began in August 1965 and involved extensive military engagements, ultimately leading to a stalemate and a ceasefire brokered by the Soviet Union.

Overview of the Indo-Pak War 1965

• The Indo-Pak War 1965 was the second major conflict between India and Pakistan, primarily centered around the Kashmir region.
• The war officially began on September 6, 1965, when Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, aiming to infiltrate forces into Jammu and Kashmir to incite an insurgency against Indian rule.
• The conflict escalated into a full-scale war, lasting for 17 days and resulting in significant casualties on both sides.

Key Events and Outcomes

• The war saw intense military engagements, including the largest tank battle since World War II.
• Despite heavy fighting, both nations claimed victory, and the war concluded with a ceasefire on September 22, 1965, facilitated by diplomatic efforts from the Soviet Union and the United States.
• The Tashkent Declaration, signed on January 10, 1966, formally resolved the conflict, restoring pre-war boundaries without significant territorial changes.

Impact on Kashmir and Relations

• The war reinforced the ongoing dispute over Kashmir, with both countries maintaining their claims over the region.
• The conflict highlighted the complexities of Indo-Pak relations and set the stage for future confrontations, including the Kargil War in 1999.
• The Kashmir issue remains unresolved, with the region continuing to be a flashpoint for tensions between India and Pakistan.

Historical Background of Indo-Pak War 1965

The roots of the Indo-Pak War 1965 trace back to Kashmir. After failed diplomatic efforts to convince Maharaja Hari Singh to join Pakistan, Pakistan launched a tribal invasion to destabilize the region. In response, the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession with India in 1947, leading to India’s intervention and the first Kashmir War (1947-48), which ended with UN mediation. However, Pakistan continued to push for Kashmir’s annexation, launching Operation Gibraltar in 1965 to undermine the state’s sovereignty, sparking the full-scale Indo-Pak War 1965.

Causes of the India-Pakistan Conflict

The overarching reason for the India-Pakistan conflict was the control of Kashmir. When the British left, they formed two independent nations – Pakistan and India. However, princely states like Kashmir could merge with any of the two nations or remain independent. With its Hindu ruler and Muslim population, Kashmir chose to stay independent. The Indo-Pak War 1965 revolved around this important region at the geopolitical level, highlighting the complexities and stakes involved in the Kashmir dispute.

The Indo-Pak War 1965 was primarily driven by Pakistan’s desire to reclaim Kashmir, following its failed Operation Gibraltar, which aimed to incite insurgency in the region. The conflict escalated into a full-scale war after India launched a counter-offensive, ultimately resulting in a standoff that reinforced the ongoing tensions over Kashmir. The Indo-Pak war 1965 war was the second time Pakistan couldn’t respect the treaty already set forth by the UN. Let us understand several significant causes for this raging conflict between the neighboring countries –

• The topmost reason for this decade-long contention is Kashmir’s geographic presence on the world map.
• The Indus River, which flows through Kashmir, bears great significance to agriculture in Pakistan. It is equally essential for irrigation in India. Under the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, India has more or less 16% of the total Indus water. Yet, Pakistan feared India would cut off the water supply at its source.
• Apart from the Indus River, the Kashmiri water bodies keep a huge potential to generate hydroelectricity.
• The geopolitical situation of Kashmir places at the top reason why the warring nations got into disagreement. The state serves as a bridge between South Asia and Central Asia.
• By 1965, China aided Pakistan in large aspects and propelled it to carry out a full-scale military invasion of India.

These are some of the top independent reasons you should know to learn how many wars between India and Pakistan took place, including the significant Indo-Pak War 1965, which was driven by the ongoing conflict over Kashmir and marked a pivotal moment in the history of Indo-Pak relations. Understanding the context and causes of this war, along with the others, provides valuable insights into the complexities of their historical conflicts.

Background Indo-Pak War 1965

The Indo-Pak War 1965, trouble brewed when Pakistani troops, disguised as locals, crossed the Line of Control (LOC) to incite insurgency in Kashmir, a plan named Operation Gibraltar. Pakistan, believing India weakened after the 1962 China defeat, aimed to take control of Kashmir. However, Operation Gibraltar failed as locals alerted Indian authorities. The Indian Army responded by capturing the Haji Pir Pass in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). Pakistan initiated Operation Grand Slam to capture Akhnoor in Jammu, but India’s counterattack thwarted their plans. Aerial combat between India and Pakistan occurred for the first time, and the war officially started when India crossed the international border on September 6. 

India captured areas in the Lahore district. The war concluded on September 23 with a UN-mandated ceasefire. India held 1840 sq. km, Pakistan 540 sq. km. Despite claims of a stalemate, India emerged victorious, though Pakistan contests this. The Tashkent Agreement in January 1966 led to the return of annexed areas. The war’s intelligence failure prompted the establishment of the Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) in India. The outcomes and implications of the Indo-Pak War 1965 were significant, as they solidified the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly regarding Kashmir, and influenced future military and diplomatic strategies in the region. The war also highlighted the role of external powers in mediating conflicts and the importance of intelligence in warfare. 

Major Battles and Campaigns

Each country prepared itself with campaigns for the large battles of the Indo-Pak War 1965. Let us explore these warfare played out in this historical conflict –

• Battle of Rann of Kutch – Battle of Rann of Kutch or Operation Desert Hawk was a military operation carried out by the Pakistani army in January 1965. Pakistan launched this operation in the Kutch area to serve several purposes altogether. It was to draw the Indian army from the northern side, provoke and understand India’s military power, etc.
• Operation Gibraltar was a military operation carried out by the Pakistani military in Srinagar in August 1965. This operation was meant to destabilize the existing government in Kashmir and exclude Srinagar from the rest of the state. Such a move would also help Pakistan bring India to the negotiating table.
• Battle of Chawinda -The Battle of Chawinda, fought during the Indo-Pak War 1965, is recognized as one of the largest tank battles since the Battle of Kursk in World War II. It was a part of the Sialkot campaign launched by India to counter Pakistan’s advances into Jammu and Kashmir.
• Battle of Phillora – Commenced on 10 September, this battle was a large tank battle as a part of the Indo-Pak War 1965. India gained supremacy in this battle by demolishing as many as 66 battle tanks of Pakistan.

International Involvement

The Indo-Pak War 1965 drew massive international attention. Since their independence in 1947, the two countries have been in a consistent physical and verbal battle over the disputed land of Jammu and Kashmir. This rift became more prominent when the Second Kashmir War broke out in 1965. This seventeen-day war ceased after the involvement of the USSR or Soviet Union and the USA. This international involvement to end the Indo-Pak war 1965 resulted in the Tashkent Declaration.

The United Nations also intervened on 20 September and passed resolutions for an immediate ceasefire that India accepted immediately, and Pakistan came around with much drama. International involvement in the Indo-Pak War 1965 was marked by the neutrality of the Soviet Union, which played a crucial role in mediating the conflict and facilitating the ceasefire. Additionally, China’s non-intervention was influenced by its relationship with Pakistan and the Indo-Soviet Treaty, which shaped the geopolitical landscape of the region.

Key Aspects of International Involvement

• Soviet Union’s Role:
  • The Soviet Union acted as a mediator during the conflict, leveraging its influence to bring both India and Pakistan to the negotiating table.
  • The USSR facilitated the ceasefire agreement on September 22, 1965, and later hosted the Tashkent Conference, where the Tashkent Declaration was signed.
• United States’ Position:
  • The U.S. maintained a cautious stance, initially supporting Pakistan but later advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
  • American diplomatic efforts were aimed at preventing the escalation of hostilities and promoting stability in South Asia.
• China’s Non-Intervention:
  • China chose not to intervene directly in the conflict, despite its historical ties with Pakistan.
  • The Sino-Indian War of 1962 and the subsequent Indo-Soviet Treaty influenced China’s decision to remain neutral during the 1965 war.

Consequences of International Involvement

• Geopolitical Dynamics:
  • The war and the international response highlighted the shifting alliances in South Asia, with the Soviet Union strengthening its ties with India.
  • The U.S. began to reassess its foreign policy in the region, focusing on economic development and stability rather than military alliances.
• Long-term Implications:
  • The international involvement in the 1965 war set a precedent for future conflicts in the region, influencing how global powers engage with India and Pakistan.
  • The unresolved Kashmir issue continued to attract international attention, with various countries advocating for dialogue and peaceful resolution.
  • The international involvement in the Indo-Pak War 1965 was significant, with the U.S. and the U.K. playing mediating roles, reflecting Cold War dynamics.

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Who Emerged Victorious?

If you ask who won the Indo-Pak war 1965, it could be problematic to offer a definite answer because both warring sides have claimed victory. However, let’s dig up some facts in this matter –

• When the Indo-Pak war 1965 ended due to international intervention, Pakistan was not successful in its agenda to free Kashmir.
• In the end, India had an area of 1840 sq. km while Pakistan only retained 540 sq. km.
• India conceded 3000 military casualties while Pakistan lost 3800 of their soldiers approximately.
• In his book Shadow War, former New York Times reporter Asif Jamal opined that India had accepted the ceasefire agreement only after occupying a large portion of the Pakistani territory.
• At the same time, it should be noted military intelligence failed on both sides significantly. Indian military intelligence issued no warning against the impending Pakistani invasion, while Pakistani intelligence failed to understand the Kashmiri people who provided enough information to the Indian military regarding an essential part of the Indo-Pak War 1965, Operation Gibraltar.

Comparisons with Other Indo-Pak Wars

Tensions between India and Pakistan have remained high due to the Kashmir issue and other geopolitical factors. The 1965 Indo-Pak war escalated into further conflicts, including the 1971 Third India-Pakistan War, triggered by Pakistan’s airstrikes. India emerged victorious, supporting Bangladesh’s liberation. The 1999 Kargil War saw Pakistani infiltrators crossing the Line of Control, but India responded with military force, regaining control of the Kargil district.

The Indo-Paki War 1965 is often compared to the other major conflicts between India and Pakistan, particularly the wars of 1947-48 and 1971. Each war had distinct causes, outcomes, and implications for the relationship between the two nations. Here’s a comparative analysis of these conflicts:

1. Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-48

• Causes:
  • The first war erupted shortly after the partition of British India in 1947, primarily over the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Maharaja of Kashmir initially chose to remain independent but later acceded to India in October 1947 when faced with an invasion by tribal militias from Pakistan.
• Key Events:
  • The conflict saw significant military engagements, with both countries claiming Kashmir. The war ended in 1948 with a UN-mediated ceasefire, establishing the Line of Control (LoC) but leaving the status of Kashmir unresolved.
• Outcomes:
  • The war resulted in the division of Kashmir, with India controlling about two-thirds and Pakistan about one-third. The conflict set the stage for ongoing tensions and disputes over the region.

2. Indo-Pak War 1965

• Causes:
  • The 1965 war was primarily driven by Pakistan’s desire to reclaim Kashmir and support insurgency in the region through Operation Gibraltar. The conflict escalated into a full-scale war after India launched a counter-offensive.
• Key Events:
  • The war featured significant battles, including the Battle of Asal Uttar and the Battle of Khemkaran. It lasted for 17 days and ended in a stalemate, with both sides claiming victory.
• Outcomes:
  • The Tashkent Declaration, brokered by the Soviet Union, restored the status quo ante bellum without significant territorial changes. The war reinforced the Kashmir issue but did not resolve it.

3. Indo-Pakistani War of 1971

• Causes:
  • The 1971 war was rooted in the political and ethnic tensions in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), where the Bengali population sought independence from West Pakistan. India intervened in support of the Bengali liberation movement.
• Key Events:
  • The conflict saw a swift Indian military campaign, leading to the capture of Dhaka and the surrender of Pakistani forces in December 1971. This war was marked by significant humanitarian crises, including widespread atrocities in East Pakistan.
• Outcomes:
  • The war resulted in the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation. It was a decisive victory for India and significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of South Asia. The Simla Agreement of 1972 aimed to normalize relations between India and Pakistan but did not resolve the Kashmir issue.

Comparative Analysis

• Nature of Conflict:
  • The 1947-48 war was primarily about territorial claims following partition, while the 1965 war involved direct military engagement over Kashmir. The 1971 war was fundamentally different, focusing on liberation and humanitarian issues in East Pakistan.
• International Involvement:
  • The 1947-48 war saw limited international involvement, while the 1965 war involved significant Soviet mediation. The 1971 war attracted global attention, particularly due to the humanitarian crisis, leading to international condemnation of Pakistan’s actions.
• Outcomes and Legacy:
  • The 1947-48 and 1965 wars left the Kashmir issue unresolved, perpetuating tensions. In contrast, the 1971 war resulted in a significant geopolitical shift with the emergence of Bangladesh, altering the balance of power in the region.

Conclusion

The 1965 Indo-Pak War significantly shaped the diplomatic and geopolitical landscape of both nations. The Indo-Pak War 1965 was primarily fought over the Kashmir region, initiated by Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar aimed at infiltrating forces into Indian territory.  Despite Pakistan’s strategic efforts following India’s defeat in the 1962 Sino-Indian War, India displayed remarkable resilience and military acumen. The 17-day conflict, marked by massive tank battles, ended in Pakistan’s failure to incite insurgency in Kashmir and gain international support, solidifying India’s military superiority.

The Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1947-48, 1965, and 1971 each played a crucial role in shaping the historical and political landscape of South Asia. While the Kashmir issue remains a central point of contention, the 1971 war marked a turning point in the relationship between India and Pakistan, leading to a new dynamic in regional politics. Understanding these conflicts in comparison provides valuable insights into the complexities of Indo-Pak relations and the ongoing challenges in the region.

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