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.

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-Pakistan war revolved around this important region at the geopolitical level.

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 neighbouring 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.

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.

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 – This battle is also known as the largest battle of tanks since the Battle of Kursk in WWII. 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-Pakistan war 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.

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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.

Conclusion

The 1965 Indo-Pak War significantly shaped the diplomatic and geopolitical landscape of both nations. 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.

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