What Major Strategic Factors Caused the Pakistan and Indian War in 1965?

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 or the Second Kashmir War was a culmination of skirmishes that took place between April 1965 and September 1965 between Pakistan and India. The conflict began following Pakistan's Operation Gibraltar, which was designed to infiltrate forces into Jammu and Kashmir to precipitate an insurgency against Indian rule. India retaliated by launching a full-scale military attack on West Pakistan.

Section 1: What are the major strategic factors that caused the conflict?

Following several unsuccessful attempts to crack down on terrorist activities along the borders with India, Pakistan Army took matters into its own hands. This led to an armed incursion into Indian Jammu and Kashmir which would eventually lead to the Second Kashmir War. Major political changes that impacted the war were:

After the creation of Bangladesh in 1971, the country's border with India was sealed, leading to widespread discontent amongst the Muslim community. This led to a mass exodus of refugees and militants into Jammu and Kashmir. India responded to this by launching Operation Gibraltar, which ultimately led to the withdrawal of the Pakistani Army from the region.

How did Operation Gibraltar lead to war?

After months of military build-up and constant harassment of Indian forces, Pakistani forces launched a raid on India's "Mughal Road" – a strategic thoroughfare that would take troops straight into Jammu and Kashmir. This raid, conducted on the night of May 3–4, 1965, was the prelude to Pakistan's first war with India. Pakistan's plan was to move troops to the Indian-occupied territories of Kashmir, prompting India to launch a punitive strike to force the withdrawal of Pakistani troops.

However, Pakistan's initial attack did not fully achieve its objective. Although Pakistani forces gained a strategic foothold in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army – backed by air support from the Indian Air Force quickly counterattacked and recaptured Pakistani territory.

The effects of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965

The consequences of the war were immense for both sides. As a result of the war, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire along their borders and to resettle their troops according to the Simla Agreement. This agreement helped to ease tensions on the borders, but it left a lingering division along Pakistan's border with Afghanistan.

What Factors Fuelled the Pakistan and Indian War of 1965?

There are various factors that contributed to the conflict between the two countries. The first reason for the war is the issue of accession of Kashmir to India. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is predominantly Muslim and opposed to India's accession to its territories.

Conclusion

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