Pakistan Wants De-Escalation: How Did 1965, 1971 And 1999 Kargil Wars End In India's Favour?

News18

10-05-2025

Last Updated:
India and Pakistan have been involved in four wars – in 1948, 1965, 1971 and 1999. Here's a look at how all of these ended in India's favour
Pakistan has reached out to India seeking a meeting in first signs of de-escalation to the ongoing conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Though official confirmation is pending from either sides, top intelligence sources told News18 that communication channels have been established with New Delhi to arrange a meeting between representatives of both nations.
The attempt at de-escalation comes hours after Pakistan launched a fresh wave of drone attacks targeting 26 locations in India — from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat — for the second night. India said the attempts to hit vital installations, including airports and air bases, were successfully thwarted.
On Wednesday, India had conducted precision strikes targeting terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that had cross-border linkages.
India and Pakistan have to date been involved in four wars – in 1948, 1965, 1971 and 1999 – all of which ended in India's favour. Here's a look at how India responded to Pakistani aggression in each of these wars and what transpired on the final days.
First Kashmir War Of 1947-48
The first war between India and Pakistan broke out shortly after Partition, when Pakistan-backed tribal militias invaded the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir in October 1947. In response, the Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh, signed the Instrument of Accession, officially joining India and prompting immediate military intervention from the Indian side.
The Indian Army was swiftly airlifted to Srinagar and launched a successful counteroffensive to push back the invaders. Fierce battles erupted in Baramulla, Uri, and other parts of Kashmir. As the situation escalated, India approached the United Nations in January 1948.
The UN-brokered ceasefire came into effect on January 1, 1949. By then, India had successfully defended and retained control over approximately two-thirds of the region, including the strategically important Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. Pakistan held the remaining one-third, which came to be known as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
While the ceasefire line became the Line of Control (LoC), the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India was legally recognised, marking a significant strategic and territorial gain for India.
India-Pakistan War Of 1965
The second India-Pakistan war broke out in August 1965 when Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, sending troops disguised as civilians into Jammu and Kashmir to incite insurgency and unrest. India responded forcefully, launching full-scale military operations not only in Kashmir but also across the international border in Punjab.
Indian forces achieved several battlefield successes, including recapturing key positions and advancing towards Lahore. Major battles at Asal Uttar, Khem Karan, and the Lahore front demonstrated India's military preparedness and resilience.
A ceasefire was declared in September 1965 under the mediation of the Soviet Union and the United States. The Tashkent Agreement, signed in January 1966, required both nations to return to pre-war positions.
Although the war ended in a military stalemate, India gained a strategic edge by demonstrating its military strength and political unity. The conflict also exposed the miscalculations of Pakistan's leadership, which had expected local support in Kashmir and underestimated India's resolve.
Bangladesh Liberation War Of 1971
The 1971 India-Pakistan war was a turning point in South Asian history. It began as a humanitarian and political crisis when Pakistan's military launched a brutal crackdown in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) following the 1970 general elections, which the Awami League had won decisively. This led to a massive refugee influx into India, with over 10 million people fleeing persecution.
India extended moral, diplomatic, and eventually military support to the Bengali nationalist movement, the Mukti Bahini. On December 3, 1971, Pakistan launched pre-emptive airstrikes on Indian airbases, prompting India to declare war.
India quickly mobilised on both eastern and western fronts. Within 13 days, Indian forces, in coordination with the Mukti Bahini, advanced into Dhaka. On December 16, 1971, Pakistan's Eastern Command surrendered to India in Dhaka, resulting in the creation of Bangladesh. Over 93,000 Pakistani troops were taken as prisoners of war—one of the largest military surrenders since World War II.
India's victory was not just military but also moral and diplomatic. It significantly altered the regional balance of power and established India as the dominant force in South Asia. The Simla Agreement signed in 1972 further committed both countries to resolve issues bilaterally, reinforcing India's diplomatic position.
Kargil War Of 1999
This war erupted in 1999 in the Kargil region of Jammu and Kashmir when Pakistani soldiers and militants crossed the Line of Control and occupied strategic high-altitude positions on the Indian side, under the guise of Operation Badr. Their aim was to cut off the highway connecting Srinagar to Leh and thereby isolate Ladakh.
India launched Operation Vijay to evict the intruders. Despite the difficult mountainous terrain and harsh weather, the Indian Army, with support from the Air Force, conducted precise and courageous assaults. Fierce battles were fought to recapture key peaks.
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By July 26, 1999, India had successfully regained all occupied territory. The conflict ended with Pakistan withdrawing its forces under immense international pressure, especially from the United States.
India's decision to not cross the Line of Control and maintain restraint earned it global diplomatic support. The war reaffirmed India's military capabilities and its commitment to respecting international norms.
tags :
1965 India-Pakistan war 1971 India-Pakistan war 1999 kargil war India Pakistan War Indian Army Line of Control Operation Sindoor pakistan
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
May 10, 2025, 14:36 IST
News india Pakistan Wants De-Escalation: How Did 1965, 1971 And 1999 Kargil Wars End In India's Favour?