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Do you know the two nations that were once living like a family, but now find themselves in constant conflict? That’s more like a story of the India-Pakistan War. Ever since India and Pakistan became separate countries in the year 1947, they have had some serious fights — we call it a War, which has deeply affected the lives of ordinary people on both sides. The fights do not just happen on the map; they also involve soldiers leaving their families and countless individuals facing loss and hardship as well. Let’s explore this blog and understand what led to these painful India-Pakistan wars.
Table of Contents
Table Series of India-Pakistan War
Here is the table to look closer at the timeline of the big fights between India and Pakistan, which is also explained in a simple way to see each war, when it happened, why it started, and what the main results were:
| S.N | War Name | Start Date | Cause | Duration | Outcome |
| 1. | First Indo-Pak War | October 22, 1947 | Invasion of Jammu & Kashmir by Pakistani tribal forces after accession to India | 1 year (ended Dec 1948) | Ceasefire by UN; India retained most of J&K; Pakistan got part (PoK) |
| 2. | Second Indo-Pak War | August 5, 1965 | Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar in Kashmir to incite rebellion | 17 days (ended Sept 23, 1965) | Ceasefire via Tashkent Agreement; no territorial changes |
| 3. | Third Indo-Pak War | December 3, 1971 | Pakistan’s air strikes on Indian bases; India supported Bangladesh’s liberation | 13 days (ended Dec 16, 1971) | Decisive Indian victory; creation of Bangladesh |
| 4. | Kargil War (1999) | May 3, 1999 | Pakistani soldiers and militants occupied Indian posts in Kargil | 2.5 months (ended July 26, 1999) | India regained all territory; Pakistani forces pushed back |
First Indo-Pak War (1947-1948)
The India-Pakistan War of 1947–1948, also known as the First Kashmir War, erupted when Pakistan sent tribal militias into Jammu and Kashmir shortly after gaining independence. Maharaja Hari Singh, facing unrest in Poonch, sought India’s help, contingent on his accession to India. Indian troops were airlifted to Srinagar after the accession, while initially, British officers denied Pakistan’s involvement. In 1948, Pakistan officially entered the conflict.
The war led to the establishment of the Line of Control, and a formal ceasefire was declared on 1 January 1949. Its inconclusive outcome continues to impact the geopolitics of both India and Pakistan.
Second India-Pakistan War (1965)
The 1965 India-Pakistan War, known as the Second Kashmir War, erupted due to Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar, aimed at inciting insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. This 17-week conflict saw significant casualties and featured the largest tank battle since WWII. A ceasefire was brokered by the Soviet Union and the United States through UNSC Resolution 211, concluding with the Tashkent Declaration.
Although the war ended in a standoff, it was considered a strategic and political setback for Pakistan, failing to incite insurrection. Internationally, it shifted alliances, as both countries turned to new partners, impacting relations with the West and contributing to ongoing distrust in the subcontinent.
Third Indo-Pak War (1971)
The 1971 India Pakistan War, coinciding with the Bangladesh Liberation War, began with Pakistan’s preemptive aerial strikes, prompting India’s entry to support Bengali nationalist forces. India swiftly gained superiority in both East and West Pakistan, leading to the surrender of the Eastern defence on December 16, 1971, marking the formation of Bangladesh.
Tragically, 200,000 to 400,000 Bangladeshi women and girls were subjected to genocidal rape during this conflict, causing mass displacement and immense suffering.
Kargil War (1999)
The Kargil War, occurring from May to July 1999, was a conflict between India and Pakistan in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir and along the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan’s infiltration of troops, disguised as Kashmiri militants, into strategic positions on the Indian side of the LoC triggered the conflict. Initially blamed on insurgents, evidence revealed Pakistani paramilitary involvement. The Indian Army, with support from the Air Force, recaptured most positions.
Facing international pressure, Pakistani forces withdrew. This war, fought in challenging mountainous terrain, posed logistical challenges and marked one of the rare instances of conventional warfare between nuclear-armed states, alongside the Sino-Soviet border conflict.
Also Read: First India Pakistan War of 1947-1948
Border Skirmishes and Conflicts (Ongoing)
The Indo-Pak border has been a contentious region for decades, marked by numerous skirmishes and conflicts. Thus, the India-Pakistan war has left a lasting legacy of tensions, unresolved issues, and the quest for lasting peace
Key Issues in India-Pakistan Relations
- The Kashmir Issue: A longstanding and contentious dispute between India and Pakistan, with both claiming the region.
- Junagadh Issue: A historical dispute over the princely state of Junagadh’s accession to Pakistan.
- Indus Waters Treaty: A water-distribution agreement between India and Pakistan, managed by the World Bank.
- Trade Relations: Limited bilateral trade, with trade barriers and political tensions affecting economic ties.
- People-to-People Relations: Efforts to promote cultural and religious exchanges, despite historical hostilities.
- Kartarpur Corridor: A rare example of cooperation, allowing Sikh pilgrims visa-free access to a shrine in Pakistan.
- Cross-Border Terrorism: A persistent source of friction, with insurgents crossing the border into India.
Quiz Time
Results
#1. What was the primary cause of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War?
#2. Which conflict between India and Pakistan led to the signing of the Shimla Agreement in 1972?
#3. What was the outcome of the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War?
FAQs
India and Pakistan have fought four major wars: in 1947–48, 1965, 1971, and the Kargil conflict in 1999. Additionally, there have been several military stand-offs and skirmishes, especially along the Line of Control (LoC).
The first war began over the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. After tribal militias supported by Pakistan invaded the region, the Maharaja of Kashmir acceded to India, prompting Indian military intervention and leading to a full-scale conflict.
The Kargil War occurred in 1999 when Pakistani soldiers and militants infiltrated Indian territory in the Kargil sector of Ladakh. India launched Operation Vijay to reclaim the posts, eventually regaining control by July 26, 1999.
The United Nations intervened during the 1947–48 and 1965 wars by calling for ceasefires and deploying UN Military Observer Groups to monitor the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the UN’s role has been limited to conflict mitigation, not resolution.
Unlike previous wars, the Kargil War was fought in high-altitude mountainous terrain, and it was limited in scope. It involved direct infiltration by Pakistani soldiers disguised as militants, without an official declaration of war.
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