The 1971 Indo-Pakistani War: How India Helped Create Bangladesh
Published: Saturday, May 10, 2025 | By The Dainik News Team
New Delhi/Dhaka: The 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, also known as the Bangladesh Liberation War, was a watershed moment in South Asian history. In just 13 days, the conflict led to the creation of Bangladesh and marked one of the fastest and most decisive military victories of the 20th century[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].
Background: The Crisis in East Pakistan
The roots of the war lay in the growing discontent in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Despite a shared religion, linguistic and cultural differences between the Bengali-speaking East and the Urdu-speaking West led to political and economic marginalization. The 1970 general elections saw the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, win a majority. Pakistan’s military rulers refused to recognize the results, sparking mass protests and a brutal crackdown known as Operation Searchlight[2][3][4][5].
The crackdown resulted in widespread atrocities and a humanitarian crisis, with an estimated 10 million refugees pouring into India. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, called for international intervention but received little support. As cross-border tensions rose, India began providing support to the Mukti Bahini, the Bangladeshi freedom fighters.
The Outbreak of War
On December 3, 1971, Pakistan launched pre-emptive airstrikes on Indian airbases in the west, hoping to cripple India’s air power. India responded by formally entering the war on both the eastern and western fronts. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force launched coordinated attacks, quickly overwhelming Pakistani forces in the east[2][4][5][7].
Major Battles and Turning Points
- Battle of Longewala (Western Front): Outnumbered Indian troops held off a massive Pakistani tank assault in Rajasthan, inflicting heavy losses.
- Naval Blockade of Karachi: The Indian Navy’s Operation Trident and Operation Python crippled Pakistan’s main port, isolating the country.
- Eastern Blitzkrieg: Indian forces, in alliance with the Mukti Bahini, advanced rapidly, capturing key towns and cutting off Pakistani supply lines.
- Fall of Dhaka: On December 16, 1971, Indian troops entered Dhaka. Pakistani Lt. Gen. A.A.K. Niazi surrendered, along with 93,000 troops-the largest surrender since World War II.
Aftermath: The Birth of Bangladesh
The war ended with the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation. India’s humanitarian intervention was widely praised, but it also led to strained relations with the United States and China, who supported Pakistan. The conflict reshaped South Asia’s political map and established India as a regional power[2][3][4][5][6][7].
The 1971 war also left a legacy of unresolved issues, including the repatriation of prisoners of war and the status of the Bihari minority in Bangladesh.
Legacy and Remembrance
The 1971 war is remembered as a triumph of justice and self-determination. In India and Bangladesh, December 16 is celebrated as Vijay Diwas and Victory Day, respectively. The conflict remains a powerful reminder of the costs of war and the value of freedom.
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