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India Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
5 takeaways from Ukraine's Operation Spider's Web against Russia
Ukrainian special forces carried out simultaneous strikes across the length of the Russian Federation, striking air bases and damaging or destroying 41 Russian strategic bombers while they were on the ground. Estimates suggest that over 30 per cent of the Russian Federation's bomber fleet- Tu-95 and Tu-22s and A-50 airborne radars were destroyed by Ukrainian 100 drones were flown out of shipping containers which discharged the pre-programmed vertical lift drones as they passed near Russian airbases. The bombers were those used to target Ukrainian positions during the war using stand-off weapons like cruise missiles and bombs. Russian media has termed these attacks a 'Pearl Harbour', referring to the Imperial Japanese Navy's surprise attack on the US Fleet in Hawaii in 1941. That attack brought the US into the Second World Ukrainian attacks, however, come in a war that is now in its fourth year. It is one of the tactical high-points of the conflict and just before the second round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on June 2. The first round, on May 16, led to the largest prisoner swap between the two sides.1. THE LARGEST EVER: In sheer size, scale and complexity, Ukraine has carried out one of the world's largest special forces strikes— hitting two air bases in Olenya, Murmansk and Irkutsk, Siberia— over 6000 km apart and in three time zones. It ticks all the boxes of Admiral William McRaven's theory of Special Operations — a simple plan, carefully concealed, repeatedly and realistically rehearsed, and executed with speed, surprise and purpose. It weaponised civilian logistics, remotely carrying out the attacks without any of its personnel being carried out two of the world's most complex special missions — the hostage rescue at Entebbe airport, Uganda in July 1976, where over 100 Israeli soldiers flew over 3000 km across hostile territory to rescue 106 Israeli passengers, killing the terrorists and destroying one-fourth of the Ugandan Air Force on the ground. In 2023, Mossad booby-trapped pagers in 2023 to kill and wound over 1000 Hezbollah operatives in largest special forces operation. Operation Jackpot, planned by the Indian Navy and carried out by Mukti Bahini naval commandos on the night of August 15, 1971, simultaneously attacked four Pakistani ports across (then) East Pakistan, sinking and damaging 22 merchant ships. The attacks were carried out at four ports — Chittagong, Chalna-Mongla, Narayanganj and Chandpur — in a 500 square km box.2. DENIABILITYThe Russia-Ukraine war, it can be argued, is a proxy war between Moscow and NATO. Ukrainian soldiers fight on the ground using Western-supplied weapons and communications gear. These have been sore points for Russia, which has threatened to attack NATO bases and ammunition dumps in Spider's Web however, Ukraine has emphasised that the attacks were carried out on its own without NATO / Western support. President Volodomyr Zelenesky emphasised in a post on X that the 'result was achieved solely by Ukraine'. This was done to minimise potential fallout on the West. The attack used Ukrainian drones and was quickly owned up by the Ukrainian government. No Western-supplied weapons like the long-range Taurus missiles were used. Ukraine released images to show they used commercially available high-resolution satellite imagery to target the bombers parked in the open.3. WILL RUSSIA USE NUCLEAR WEAPONS?advertisementRussia has threatened to use nuclear weapons at least once during the four-year conflict. The June 1 attack is problematic because it struck Russia's strategic bomber fleet. This means Russia now has fewer aircraft to launch nuclear weapons with in case of a full-scale war. Russian officials have threatened retaliation for the June 1 Ukrainian attacks. Russia launched a wave of over 400 drones on Ukraine on June 1, soon after the Ukrainian attacks. It could do what it has done in the past-- fire the Oreshnik, hypersonic but conventionally armed missile, which cannot be intercepted.4. THE AGE OF DRONE WARFARE HAS ARRIVEDEven before 2022, there were indications of this in the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and in the Houthis' strike on the Saudi Arabian oil refineries suggested drones were an adjunct of all conflict. The Russia-Ukraine war ushered in a new age of drone warfare where drones have replaced every single platform from manned fighter aircraft to small arms. Both Russia and Ukraine are using tens of thousands of First Person View (FPV) drones, and their descendants, the wire-guided FPV drones (which cannot be jammed), to create dense, impenetrable drone has led to a World War 1 kind of scenario where the advent of artillery and the machine gun made open movement on the battlefield incredibly dangerous, leading to trench warfare where both sides dug into the earth for protection, creating elaborate trench systems.5. LESSONS FOR INDIAIndia extensively used drones to target Pakistan during the four-day Operation Sindoor air strikes, using them as decoys and to attack Pakistani military targets. But the bigger lessons are for Pearl Harbour-style attacks on Indian targets. In 2021, Pakistani non-state actors struck at an Indian air base in attack saw two quadcopter sized drones dropping two improvised explosive devices which exploded without killing anyone. It was a warning shot because the attackers missed several helicopters parked in the open. The composition of the IED- a military-grade shaped charge - suggested state involvement in the attack. Pakistan could use similar tactics to carry out mass, simultaneous strikes on Indian airbases and other installations. Aircraft and helicopters are most vulnerable when they are parked on the ground, and in the open. The easy availability of commercial satellite imagery means the location of all aircraft and warships and submarines is easily is an urgent need for all military aircraft to be covered in blast-proof structures. All air bases must be secured with multiple indigenous counter-UAS systems.
India.com
16-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Balochistan to Chittagong... Pakistan and Bangladesh on verge of breaking up again, if...
Balochistan to Chittagong... Pakistan and Bangladesh on the verge of breaking up again, if... If recent reports are to be believed, there has been an uproar within the Pakistan Army along with continuous rising voices from many provinces in Pakistan which have become louder during the India-Pakistan conflict. Now ceasefire has been declared between the two countries and the tension on the border has ended. But, the voice of the 'free thinking' people inside Pakistan has become louder and louder. On the other hand, the voice emerging in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the south-eastern region of Bangladesh, is now becoming a challenge for the power in Dhaka. Just like the rising voice of Balochistan in Pakistan, the noise of struggle against Bangladesh is also increasing in Chittagong. That is, Chittagong is becoming the Balochistan of Bangladesh. Although the demand for autonomy for Chittagong Hill Tracts has been raised in Bangladesh for decades, but the governments never took it seriously. This neglect is now making Chittagong a rebellious area just like Balochistan has become for Pakistan. It is important to understand that like Balochistan, Chittagong is also an area rich in minerals, forests and biological resources. In both the places, the local tribal population was suppressed by outsiders. Attempts were made to eliminate their culture, language and identity. Like the Baloch, the identity of the Chakma, Marma and Jumma communities is in crisis. In both the areas, attempts were made to suppress the demand for autonomy by calling it treason. After which the wounds of the people here came to the fore. However, the situation is even worse for Pakistan. The voices raised in Pakistan are not just for a piece of land. The situation of instability and discontent is at its peak in the four major provinces of Pakistan, Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The situation in these provinces can become the basis for the possible partition of Pakistan. Balochistan, which is the largest province of Pakistan in terms of area, has declared itself a separate country and is also pleading for its recognition. If Pakistan is divided into so many pieces, Balochistan will become rich in natural resources. Sindhistan will emerge with an economic center like Karachi. Punjabistan will emerge as the most powerful unit. At the same time, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and some northern areas will remain in the original Pakistan, which will be unstable and weak. In such a situation, it seems that history is repeating itself as it was in 1971. Something similar was done by the Mukti Bahini army at the time of Bangladesh's independence and India had supported it and divided Pakistan into two parts. This means that India can once again support the Balochs and break Pakistan like in 1971 and create another independent country, Balochistan. But it is still in the womb of the future what decision the Indian government takes.
News18
12-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
1971 India-Pakistan War vs Operation Sindoor: It's Pointless To Compare The Two
Last Updated: According to military experts, comparing the 1971 war with Operation Sindoor is not appropriate, given their vastly different objectives and contexts The four-day armed conflict between India and Pakistan ended with a ceasefire that came into effect on May 10, making it one of the shortest wars between the two countries. In the aftermath, the Congress and several of its leaders have shared posts highlighting Pakistan's surrender to India in 1971 when Indira Gandhi was the prime minister. However, according to several experts, drawing parallels between the 1971 war and the recent Operation Sindoor might be misleading. While both achieved their respective objectives, they differ significantly in context, scale, and impact, and should be viewed within their distinct historical and strategic frameworks, they said. 1971 India-Pakistan War The 1971 war was a full-scale military conflict that began on December 3 and ended on December 16. It was triggered by widespread human rights violations and a massive refugee crisis in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), where the Pakistani army persecuted the Bengali population. The violence forced nearly 10 million refugees to flee into India. In response, India initially provided humanitarian aid and extended support to the Bengali resistance force, the Mukti Bahini. When Pakistan launched an attack, India declared a full-scale war, engaging across land, air, and sea. Striking on both the eastern and western fronts, India achieved a decisive victory in just 13 days, leading to the liberation of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh. On December 16, 1971, 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered in Dhaka, marking India's greatest military triumph. Unlike limited operations, this war led to a significant territorial and political shift in South Asia. Within a 25-minute window (1:05 to 1:30 am), the Indian Army hit nine terror hideouts using advanced technology, including drones, satellite imagery, and precision-guided weapons. India emphasised that the operation was aimed solely at terrorist infrastructure, avoiding civilian or military targets. The objective was to curb terrorism and deliver a strong message to Pakistan without escalating into a full-scale war. After Pakistan's retaliatory strikes, India responded firmly, culminating in a ceasefire agreement on Saturday. 2025 Is Not 1971 According to military experts, comparing the 1971 war with Operation Sindoor is not appropriate, given their vastly different objectives and contexts. While Indira Gandhi led India through a full-scale war that resulted in the creation of Bangladesh, Operation Sindoor, conducted under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, was a limited but targeted military action aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure. While the 1971 war reshaped South Asia's political landscape, Operation Sindoor was intended to send a strong message to Pakistan and the terrorist groups it backs, without escalating into a broader conflict. Both achieved their stated goals within the frameworks in which they were carried out. Operation Sindoor targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK and it reportedly resulted in the destruction of two terrorist headquarters and 11 Pakistani military sites. It has also been reported that the Indian forces deployed over 400 drones, 30 missiles, and several fighter jets during the strikes. Government sources say several terrorists were killed in the operation, including two designated by the United Nations and eight on India's most-wanted list. Officials have described the operation as a decisive shift in India's counter-terrorism strategy, aimed at delivering swift and targeted responses rather than issuing warnings. First Published: May 12, 2025, 15:16 IST
India.com
09-05-2025
- General
- India.com
5 Heroes Who Led India To Victory In 1971 War Against Pakistan
(Images Credit: X & Gemini AI) The 1971 Indo-Pak war lasted just 13 days, but its impact was historic. These 5 Indian heroes played a key role in securing a decisive win and the birth of Bangladesh. Known as the 'Architect of Bangladesh,' R.N. Kao led India's external intelligence agency, RAW. Under his guidance, RAW supported Mukti Bahini fighters and helped dismantle Pakistan's control in East Pakistan. Sam Manekshaw, then Chief of the Army Staff, asked for time to prepare before launching an attack. His strategic planning paid off, leading to India's biggest military victory. In the Battle of Longewala, Chandpuri and his 100 men bravely held off nearly 2,000 Pakistani soldiers and over 40 tanks. His courage became a symbol of resistance. Nicknamed 'Cartoos Sahab' by his troops, Cardozo led India's first heliborne operation. His leadership during the war made him a legendary figure in the Gorkha Rifles. Sekhon is the only IAF officer awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Based in Srinagar, he defended the skies with unmatched bravery during Pakistani air raids. These five men—across Army, Air Force, and Intelligence—helped change the course of history. Their courage, foresight, and leadership continue to inspire India today. Read Next Story
News18
07-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
India-Pakistan 1971 War: When Indira Gandhi Called And Golda Meir Answered
Last Updated: Operation Sindoor: Israel's public support to India is no longer a diplomatic outlier. It's a continuation of a historical arc that began with Golda Meir's bold decision in 1971 India on Wednesday launched airstrikes against terror hideouts in Pakistan under the codename Operation Sindoor as a decisive and swift retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack last month in which 26 tourists were brutally murdered. Amid the global reactions to Operation Sindoor, one voice rang out with unmistakable clarity – Israel's ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, who tweeted in solidarity, 'Israel supports India's right for self defence. Terrorists should know there's no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent." Behind these words stood a 50-year-old legacy of friendship, first forged in the secrecy of another war, another time. Israel's Help in 1971 It was July 1971, and the skies over East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) were dark with the smoke of genocide. The Pakistani army, acting under General Yahya Khan's brutal command, launched a campaign of terror against Bengali-speaking Muslims. As lakhs fled across the border into India, then-prime minister Indira Gandhi stood at a crossroads. International support was absent – then United States President Nixon backed Pakistan, and India faced isolation. In that hour of need, Israel quietly extended a lifeline. Despite not having formal diplomatic ties, Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir approved a clandestine operation to supply weapons and ammunition to India – equipment originally earmarked for Iran. Mortars, arms, and Israeli trainers were dispatched in utmost secrecy. Shlomo Jabludowicz, a key figure in Israeli defence manufacturing, facilitated the operation. There was one condition: India must eventually recognise Israel. That wish wouldn't be fulfilled until 1992 under Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, but the seed of friendship had been sown in 1971, against all odds. The details, recorded by Indira Gandhi's aide PN Haksar, are preserved in the Nehru Memorial Museum today. He called it 'an amazing small success", but its strategic and symbolic impact was anything but small. That support helped both the Indian Army and Mukti Bahini push back the tide of oppression. On December 16, 1971, Pakistan surrendered, and Bangladesh was born. India's foreign policy in those years was complex. Public support for Palestine, concerns over domestic Muslim sentiment, and dependency on Arab oil made relations with Israel diplomatically risky. Still, Golda Meir's gamble proved prophetic. Trust laid in silence grew stronger with time. In the decades that followed, the quiet partnership evolved. By 1992, ties were formalised. Israel provided crucial support in the 1999 Kargil War, and in 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian leader to visit Israel, cementing a relationship based on shared intelligence, defence cooperation, and counterterrorism. Israel's public support is no longer a diplomatic outlier. It's a continuation of a historical arc that began with Golda Meir's bold decision. From the clandestine corridors of 1971 to the open skies of 2025, India and Israel have walked a long road together. First Published:
