50 Years Of Tension: India Launches Major Strikes Against Pakistan

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 08, 2025

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The 1971 War and Operation Cactus

The Genesis of Conflict:

The 1971 Indo-Pak War stemmed from the escalating political and humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Years of oppression and discrimination under Pakistani rule culminated in a widespread rebellion. The ensuing Bangladesh Liberation War saw the Pakistani military crackdown on Bengali civilians, triggering a massive refugee exodus into India.

• Pakistan's crackdown in East Pakistan: The Pakistani military's brutal suppression of the Bengali population involved widespread killings, rapes, and the destruction of property, creating a humanitarian catastrophe.
• India's intervention and the subsequent war: Faced with the immense refugee influx and the escalating violence, India intervened militarily, leading to a full-scale war with Pakistan.
• Operation Cactus and its significance in securing victory: Operation Cactus, the Indian military intervention in the then-East Pakistan, played a pivotal role in securing victory for the Mukti Bahini (the Bengali freedom fighters) and ultimately leading to the creation of Bangladesh.
• Geopolitical ramifications of the war and the creation of Bangladesh: The 1971 war fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape of South Asia, resulting in the birth of Bangladesh and significantly shifting the power dynamics in the region. The conflict deeply impacted India-Pakistan relations, leaving a legacy of mistrust and animosity. This war remains a defining moment in the history of the India-Pakistan conflict.

The Kargil War (1999) and Cross-Border Infiltration

The Kargil Intrusion:

The Kargil War of 1999 saw Pakistani-backed militants infiltrate Indian-administered Kashmir, occupying strategic positions in the Kargil district. This act of cross-border terrorism significantly escalated India-Pakistan tensions.

• Pakistan's strategy and objectives: Pakistan aimed to disrupt the ongoing peace process between India and Kashmir, gain strategic military advantage, and destabilize the region.
• India's military response and the subsequent conflict: India launched a major military offensive to dislodge the infiltrators, resulting in a high-altitude war that lasted for several months.
• International response to the conflict: The international community largely condemned Pakistan's actions, calling for an immediate withdrawal of its forces. The Kargil conflict highlighted the growing threat of cross-border terrorism.
• Long-term impact of the Kargil War on Indo-Pak relations: The Kargil War further strained relations between India and Pakistan, deepening mutual distrust and hindering peace efforts. The event solidified the perception of Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Surgical Strikes (2016) and the Uri Attack

The Uri Attack and its Aftermath:

The September 2016 Uri attack, a terrorist assault on an Indian army base in Uri, Kashmir, resulted in the death of numerous Indian soldiers. This event triggered a significant escalation of tensions and India's response: surgical strikes.

• The nature of the Uri attack and the casualties: The attack, claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed, was a devastating blow, causing significant loss of life and increasing anti-Pakistan sentiment in India.
• India's surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC): In response, India conducted surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC), targeting terrorist training camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
• International community's reaction to the surgical strikes: The international community's response was mixed, with some praising India's right to self-defense while others expressing concerns about further escalation.
• Escalation of tensions and subsequent retaliatory actions: The surgical strikes led to a significant increase in tensions, with both sides engaging in retaliatory actions and heightening military preparedness along the LoC. The event remains highly controversial and a point of contention.

Pulwama Attack (2019) and Balakot Air Strikes

Pulwama and the Indian Air Force Response:

The February 2019 Pulwama attack, a suicide bombing targeting a convoy of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, resulted in a massive loss of life. This act of terror prompted another major Indian military response.

• The Pulwama attack and its impact: The Pulwama attack, claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed, was one of the deadliest attacks against Indian security forces, leading to widespread outrage and calls for retaliation.
• India's Balakot air strikes and their stated objectives: India responded with air strikes targeting a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot, Pakistan. The strikes were aimed at preemptively disrupting terrorist activities and sending a strong message.
• International response and implications for regional stability: The Balakot air strikes resulted in a further escalation of tensions, raising concerns about the possibility of a wider conflict. The international community called for restraint and de-escalation.
• Subsequent escalation and de-escalation of tensions: Following the air strikes, both sides engaged in a period of heightened military alertness, but eventually, the situation de-escalated through diplomatic channels.

Conclusion

The India-Pakistan conflict, marked by recurring periods of heightened tension and military action, remains a critical concern for regional and global security. This article highlighted key instances of India's military responses to perceived threats from Pakistan, ranging from full-scale wars to surgical strikes. Each incident has indelibly shaped the trajectory of their relationship, leaving a legacy of distrust and instability. Understanding these historical events is vital for navigating the complex dynamics of the India-Pakistan relationship and fostering peace in the region. The long history of India-Pakistan military engagements underscores the urgent need for sustained diplomatic efforts and conflict resolution mechanisms.

Call to Action: To further understand the complexities of the India-Pakistan conflict, continue researching the historical context, the underlying geopolitical factors, and the ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation. Understanding the history of India-Pakistan military engagements is crucial for promoting lasting peace and stability in South Asia.