PAKISTAN INDIA War 1965
The War of 1965: A Pivotal Conflict Between Pakistan and India Introduction The War of 1965, fought between Pakistan and India, stands as a significant chapter in the history of South Asia. It was a conflict characterized by intense military engagements, strategic maneuvers, and profound geopolitical consequences. This article delves into the causes, major events, and aftermath of the 1965 war, exploring its impact on both nations and its lasting legacy. Historical Background The roots of the 1965 war can be traced to the longstanding and unresolved issues between Pakistan and India following their partition in 1947. The partition of British India into two separate states—India and Pakistan—was accompanied by communal violence and territorial disputes. Among the most contentious issues was the status of the Kashmir region, a princely state with a predominantly Muslim population that was acceded to India amidst controversy. The first Indo-Pakistani war over Kashmir took place in 1947-48, resulting in a UN-mediated ceasefire and the establishment of the Line of Control (LoC), dividing the region into areas administered by India and Pakistan. However, the conflict did not resolve the underlying issues, and tensions continued to simmer over the Kashmir dispute. Prelude to the War The early 1960s saw rising tensions between Pakistan and India, exacerbated by political and territorial disputes. In Pakistan, the military government led by President Ayub Khan was keen on asserting its stance on Kashmir and resolving the issue through military means. Similarly, India's Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's government, despite focusing on economic development, faced internal pressures to address the Kashmir issue. In August 1965, the situation escalated when Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, aimed at infiltrating forces into Jammu and Kashmir to incite insurgency against…