The history of India-Pakistan wars is rooted in the complex legacy of the partition of British India in 1947, which created the two nations. Since independence, India and Pakistan have fought four major wars and experienced several military standoffs, skirmishes, and ongoing tensions—mostly centered around the Kashmir region.
Here’s a detailed chronological overview:
- First Indo-Pak War (1947–1948) – The First Kashmir War
Cause:
Partition of British India in 1947 gave princely states the option to join India or Pakistan. The Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh, chose to remain independent.
Pakistan-backed tribal militias invaded Kashmir in October 1947.
Maharaja sought Indian help and signed the Instrument of Accession to India.
Outcome:
Indian Army repelled most of the tribal forces.
War ended with UN-mediated ceasefire in January 1949.
Result: Kashmir was divided – India got two-thirds (Jammu, Kashmir Valley, Ladakh); Pakistan controlled one-third (Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan).
First UN resolution called for a plebiscite, which was never held.
- Second Indo-Pak War (1965) – Operation Gibraltar
Cause:
Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, sending infiltrators into Indian-administered Kashmir to incite rebellion.
India retaliated with full military action across the international border.
Major Battles:
Battles at Akhnoor, Lahore, and Sialkot.
Outcome:
Heavy casualties on both sides.
Tashkent Agreement (Jan 1966) brokered by the Soviet Union ended the war; both sides agreed to withdraw to pre-war positions.
No territorial change.
- Third Indo-Pak War (1971) – Liberation of Bangladesh
Cause:
Political crisis and civil war in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) after 1970 elections.
Pakistani military crackdown on East Pakistan civilians (Operation Searchlight).
Around 10 million refugees fled to India.
India supported Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi freedom fighters).
Duration: December 3 – December 16, 1971
Outcome:
Decisive Indian victory.
Over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered (largest since WWII).
Birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
Simla Agreement (1972): Both nations agreed to resolve disputes bilaterally.
- Kargil War (1999)
Cause:
Pakistani soldiers and militants infiltrated Indian positions in Kargil sector of Ladakh during winter.
Aim: Cut off Ladakh from rest of India.
Conflict:
India launched Operation Vijay to recapture the heights.
High-altitude warfare with heavy casualties.
Outcome:
India recaptured all major positions.
International pressure, especially from the US, led Pakistan to withdraw.
Exposed role of Pakistani Army under General Pervez Musharraf.
War lasted from May to July 1999.
Other Conflicts & Skirmishes
Siachen Conflict (1984 – ongoing)
India occupied strategic heights in Siachen Glacier in Operation Meghdoot.
Constant standoff since 1984 in the world’s highest battlefield.
2001 Indian Parliament Attack & 2002 Military Standoff
After the Parliament attack (Dec 2001), India mobilized troops near the border (Operation Parakram).
Massive tension, but full-scale war was avoided due to diplomacy.
Uri Attack and Surgical Strikes (2016)
Terrorists attacked Indian Army base in Uri, J&K.
India carried out surgical strikes across LoC targeting launchpads.
Pulwama Attack and Balakot Air Strike (2019)
40 CRPF soldiers killed by a suicide bomber in Pulwama.
India responded with an airstrike on Balakot, Pakistan (claimed to target terrorist camps).
Pakistan retaliated with airstrikes; both sides claimed to have downed each other’s aircraft.
Key Issues Between India and Pakistan
- Kashmir Dispute
- Terrorism (India accuses Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism)
- Water Sharing (Indus Waters Treaty)
- Nuclear Arms Race (Both countries are nuclear powers since 1998)