Every year on December 16th, India observes Vijay Diwas to honor its decisive victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war and to pay tribute to the heroic sacrifices of its soldiers. This historic event marked not only a military triumph but also the creation of a new nation—Bangladesh. The roots of the conflict trace back to the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1970, which began after the West Pakistani political party, the Pakistan People’s Party, refused to hand over power to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of the Awami League, despite his party’s landslide victory in the 1970 elections.

This political defiance escalated tensions, leading to the massacre of Biharis in East Pakistan, triggering a brutal counter-offensive by West Pakistan in what became known as Operation Searchlight. By March 1971, the unrest intensified with widespread strikes, protests, and brutal military crackdowns. East Pakistani leaders, including members of the Awami League, were targeted, arrested, or forced into exile. This turmoil culminated in the Awami League declaring the independence of Bangladesh and forming a government-in-exile.

The atrocities committed by West Pakistani forces, which included targeted violence against Bengalis and Hindus, resulted in a humanitarian crisis. Millions of refugees—up to 10 million—fled to India, placing immense pressure on its resources and prompting decisive action. On March 27th, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi made the strategic decision that war with Pakistan was inevitable. By April, General Sam Manekshaw was given the go-ahead to prepare for military intervention in East Pakistan.

In November 1971, the situation escalated further as West Pakistani troops mobilized towards the Indian border, prompting a strong response from the Indian military. On December 3rd, the conflict erupted into full-scale war when the Pakistani Air Force launched pre-emptive strikes on eleven airfields in north-western India. India responded swiftly; by that night, the Indian Air Force countered with strategic air strikes, marking the official start of the war.

The ensuing 13-day conflict saw coordinated efforts by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Despite intense attacks from the west, Indian forces held firm, while simultaneously launching a blitzkrieg-style offensive on the eastern front. Within two weeks, the Indian military inflicted heavy losses on the Pakistani forces, who were overwhelmed by the rapid and relentless assault. On December 16th, the Pakistani forces in East Pakistan formally surrendered.

The signing of the Instrument of Surrender on December 16th marked the end of the war. It was a resounding victory for India, leading to the capture of one-third of Pakistan’s military and effectively severing East Pakistan from West Pakistan. As a result, Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation. The subsequent 1972 Simla Agreement saw the release of Pakistani prisoners of war, the recognition of Bangladesh’s sovereignty, and the return of territory captured by Indian forces during the conflict.

This historic victory was a testament to the courage, tactical brilliance, and unwavering spirit of the Indian armed forces. However, it came at a great cost—between 2,500 to 3,800 Indian soldiers lost their lives, and the Indian Air Force lost 45 aircraft. It is the solemn duty of every Indian to remember and honor the brave hearts who laid down their lives for the freedom of a new nation and for a more secure and prosperous future for India.

Vijay Diwas stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by India’s soldiers and the enduring legacy of their heroism, forever etched into the history of the subcontinent.

The Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, spanning just thirteen days, stands as one of the shortest yet most decisive conflicts in modern history. It arose amidst escalating tensions between East and West Pakistan, during a time when East Pakistan’s struggle for independence had reached a tipping point. The brutality of the Bangladesh Liberation War led to a mass exodus of refugees, flooding into India and severely straining its already fragile economy. Recognizing the unsustainable humanitarian crisis and the potential threat to its own stability, India chose to intervene, marking the beginning of the renowned Indo-Pak War of 1971.

The conflict unfolded on two distinct fronts. In the East, the Indian Army launched a swift and aggressive campaign, aiding the independence movement in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). On the western front, the war took on a more complex nature, involving a series of coordinated naval strikes and ground offensives, showcasing a strategic effort to prevent a counterattack from West Pakistan.

BACKGROUND:

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was a direct consequence of the Bangladesh Liberation War. The conflict’s roots lie in the 1970 general elections in Pakistan, where the Awami League, representing East Pakistan, secured a decisive majority, entitling them to form the national government. However, this outcome was rejected by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, leader of the Pakistan People’s Party from West Pakistan, who refused to cede power, creating a political deadlock.

This refusal triggered widespread unrest and protests in East Pakistan, as the population demanded recognition of the electoral results. In response, President Yahya Khan opted for a military solution to quell the dissent. On March 1, 1971, he dissolved the National Assembly session, further escalating tensions. This provoked retaliatory violence in East Pakistan, where attacks targeted ethnic Biharis who were perceived as supporters of West Pakistan, resulting in the massacre of nearly 300 Bihari community members in early March.

The escalating crisis led West Pakistan to initiate Operation Searchlight on March 25, 1971. The military offensive aimed to suppress the independence movement by disarming the local forces and eliminating political resistance. That night, Dhaka descended into chaos, as military units cracked down on the Awami League, arresting and exiling its leaders. The operation marked the beginning of a brutal campaign intended to neutralize all political and military opposition in East Pakistan.

On March 26, 1971, Major Ziaur Rahman, speaking on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, declared the independence of Bangladesh, signaling the start of the liberation struggle.

In April 1971, the exiled leaders of the Awami League regrouped and formed a provisional “government-in-exile.” The Mukti Bahini (Liberation Army) was established under the command of General Mohammad Ataul Ghani Osmany, becoming the primary resistance force against West Pakistani military aggression. This pivotal moment set the stage for the subsequent Indo-Pakistani conflict, leading to the creation of an independent Bangladesh.

INDIA’S INVOLVEMENT WITH THE LIBERATION WAR:

Following the launch of Operation Searchlight, the regime in West Pakistan unleashed a brutal campaign of genocide against the people of East Pakistan, particularly targeting the Bengali populace and the Hindu community. The violence triggered a humanitarian crisis, forcing nearly 10 million refugees to flee across the border into India. In response, India opened its eastern border and established refugee camps in the eastern and northeastern regions of the country, providing safe haven to the displaced population. However, this sudden influx of refugees placed immense pressure on India’s already strained economy.

On March 27, 1971, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi publicly declared her support for the Bangladeshi independence movement. After careful deliberation, she concluded that direct military intervention would be the most cost-effective and decisive solution to the escalating conflict. Subsequently, on April 28, the Indian Cabinet directed General Sam Manekshaw to prepare for an offensive into East Pakistan. By late September, the refugee camps had become centers for the recruitment and training of freedom fighters, signaling a shift in momentum. Meanwhile, in West Pakistan, national sentiment hardened, with propaganda campaigns rallying the population under the aggressive slogan, “Crush India.”

This atmosphere set the stage for a decisive confrontation that would alter the geopolitical landscape of the subcontinent.

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENT WITH PAKISTAN:

By November, the signs of an impending conflict were unmistakable. Tensions had escalated to the point where war seemed inevitable. Indian forces began a strategic buildup along the Eastern border, preparing for a potential confrontation. The Indian military planned to take advantage of the harsh winter conditions, knowing that heavy snowfall would block the Himalayan passes, effectively preventing any Chinese intervention in support of Pakistan.

On 23rd November, Pakistani President Yahya Khan declared a state of emergency, urging the nation to brace for the outbreak of war.

The conflict officially commenced on the evening of 3rd December, when the Pakistani Air Force launched a series of pre-emptive airstrikes targeting eleven Indian airfields. This operation, codenamed Operation Chengiz Khan, aimed to cripple India’s air power but ultimately failed to achieve its objectives. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi addressed the nation, declaring that the attacks amounted to a declaration of war. That very night, the Indian Air Force swiftly retaliated with counterstrikes, gaining early aerial dominance.

In response, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered the full mobilisation of Indian forces, initiating a comprehensive and coordinated assault on Pakistan. The Indian military launched a large-scale invasion, integrating air, sea, and ground attacks in a decisive show of strength.

NAVAL OPERATIONS:

On the Eastern front of the conflict, the Indian Eastern Naval Command, led by Vice Admiral Nilakanta Krishnan, executed a strategic naval blockade in the Bay of Bengal. This maneuver effectively isolated East Pakistan, trapping its Eastern Navy fleet along with eight foreign merchant ships in their respective ports. The blockade was a decisive move that cut off essential supply lines and communications, thereby crippling the enemy’s ability to sustain its operations.

The aircraft carrier INS Vikrant was deployed on December 4th, marking a turning point in the naval operations. Equipped with Sea Hawk fighter-bombers, Vikrant launched a series of targeted strikes on key coastal cities in East Pakistan, including Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, and Khulna. These attacks inflicted significant damage on enemy installations, fuel depots, and supply lines. In an attempt to counter this offensive, Pakistan deployed its most lethal submarine, the PNS Ghazi, with the intent to sink Vikrant. However, the submarine met its demise off the coast of Visakhapatnam. It is widely believed that Vice Admiral Krishnan devised a clever deception strategy, leading PNS Ghazi into a trap where it sank, dealing a severe blow to Pakistan’s naval ambitions.

On December 9th, the Indian Navy faced a tragic loss when the frigate INS Khukri was torpedoed and sunk by the Pakistani submarine PNS Hangor, resulting in the loss of many brave sailors. This incident remains one of the most poignant moments of the naval conflict.

Meanwhile, on the Western front, the Indian Navy, commanded by Vice Admiral S.N. Kohli, executed a daring and meticulously planned operation known as Operation Trident on the night of December 4th. In a surprise assault, Indian missile boats struck the Karachi port, inflicting heavy damage. The attack sank the Pakistani destroyer PNS Khyber, minesweeper PNS Muhafiz, and severely damaged the destroyer PNS Shah Jahan. This bold offensive not only caused significant material losses but also shattered the morale of the Pakistani Navy.

In response, Pakistan deployed its submarines in a bid to retaliate and target Indian warships. However, facing heavy casualties and losing several vessels and submarines, Pakistan’s naval capabilities were significantly diminished. Additionally, the dwindling fuel reserves and logistical setbacks further incapacitated their fleet.

Following the success of Operation Trident, the Indian Navy launched Operation Python on December 8th, a follow-up strike that targeted Karachi’s port once again. Indian missile boats penetrated the harbor defenses, sinking three Pakistani merchant ships and destroying vital fuel storage tanks, effectively crippling the port’s operations.

Overall, the naval engagements during the conflict showcased the strategic brilliance of the Indian Navy, culminating in a decisive victory. India’s naval forces succeeded in destroying nearly half of Pakistan’s naval assets, securing dominance at sea, and significantly contributing to the swift conclusion of the war.

AIR OPERATIONS:

In the air domain, the Indian Air Force (IAF) responded swiftly and decisively to the pre-emptive strikes on its airbases. Demonstrating rapid mobilization, the IAF launched a large-scale counteroffensive against the airstrikes, engaging in intense aerial combat over the conflict zones. In contrast, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) adopted a predominantly defensive stance. As the air battles progressed, the PAF’s presence gradually diminished, allowing the IAF to gain numerical and strategic superiority. The PAF did not intervene during India’s audacious raid on the Karachi naval port but retaliated by bombing Okha harbor. However, the PAF’s No. 14 Squadron faced devastating losses, effectively neutralizing the Dhaka airfield, which secured Indian air dominance in the eastern theater.

Throughout the duration of the conflict, the IAF showcased remarkable versatility by executing a diverse array of missions. These included close air support for ground troops, engaging in dogfights, conducting deep penetration strikes, performing para-dropping operations behind enemy lines, employing diversionary tactics to mislead enemy fighters, strategic bombing, and reconnaissance missions. On the other hand, the PAF focused predominantly on air defense and protecting its own bases. This defensive approach limited their operational flexibility, allowing the IAF to maintain a significant advantage and quickly establish air superiority, ultimately shifting the momentum of the war in India’s favor.

GROUND OPERATIONS:

On the western front, Pakistani forces launched multiple attacks across various positions along the border. However, the Indian Army successfully repelled these offensives, holding their ground firmly. In response, Indian troops advanced into Pakistani territory, achieving initial territorial gains that were strategically relinquished later.

In the eastern theater, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi liberation forces), implemented a highly effective strategy. They initiated a rapid, three-pronged offensive, deploying nine infantry divisions supported by armored units and close air support, with the aim of converging on Dhaka. As ground forces engaged Pakistani units, the Indian Air Force played a crucial role by decimating the Pakistani air contingent in East Pakistan and rendering the Dhaka airfield inoperative. Simultaneously, the Indian Navy imposed a naval blockade, cutting off any potential maritime assistance and effectively isolating East Pakistan from the support of West Pakistan.

In just thirteen days, the coordinated and decisive strategies of the Indian military, combined with the resolute spirit of the troops, secured a swift and resounding victory for India. The Pakistani forces suffered significant losses across naval, air, and ground operations, ultimately leading to their forced withdrawal and surrender.

SURRENDER OF PAKISTAN AND AFTERMATH:

On December 16, 1971, after suffering heavy losses, the Pakistani forces stationed in East Pakistan formally surrendered. The historic “Instrument of Surrender” was signed at the Ramna Race Course in Dhaka. The ceremony was led by Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, and Lieutenant General A.A.K. Niazi, the Commander of the Pakistani forces in East Pakistan. This event marked the decisive end of the conflict and the birth of a new nation, Bangladesh.

In 1972, the “Simla Agreement” was signed between India and Pakistan. Through this accord, Pakistan formally recognized the sovereignty and independence of Bangladesh. In return, India agreed to the repatriation of Pakistani prisoners of war (POWs), signaling a step towards peace and reconciliation between the two countries.

Following the war, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the prominent leader of the Bangladeshi independence movement, was released from imprisonment. He returned triumphantly to Dhaka on January 10, 1972, where he was hailed as the Father of the Nation. He was soon appointed as the first President of the newly established state of Bangladesh.