India’s Military Dominance: A Chronological Account of Pakistan’s Defeats in Wars Against India

India–Pakistan War History

This article offers a sequential analysis of the turbulent relationship between India and Pakistan, focusing on all major wars and military operations where India decisively humbled Pakistan through courage, military capability, and strategic acumen.

Introduction: India’s Firm Response to Terror and Aggression

The recent Pahalgam attack once again proved that Pakistan-sponsored terrorism continues to pose the gravest threat to India’s sovereignty and security. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, a bold counteroffensive reflecting a shift in its strategic mindset — a nation that now refuses to merely defend, but retaliates with aggressive precision.

This is not a new chapter. The history of India-Pakistan relations has always been entangled in a triangular tension of war, conflict, and peace efforts. Since the 1947 Partition, the two countries have fought four major wars, one decisive military operation, and several limited skirmishes. In each case, India not only defeated Pakistan militarily but also retained the moral high ground on diplomatic platforms.

1. First India–Pakistan War (1947–1948) – The Kashmir War

At the time of India-Pakistan Partition on 15 August 1947, Jammu and Kashmir was an independent princely state whose ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, initially wished to remain neutral. However, in October 1947, tribal invaders and Pakistani soldiers infiltrated Kashmir, leading to chaos and violence.

Maharaja Hari Singh sought India’s help and signed the Instrument of Accession on 26 October 1947, thereby merging Kashmir with India. The Indian Army responded swiftly, airlifting troops and equipment to Srinagar and liberating key regions like Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, and Kargil.

By the end of the war, India controlled two-thirds of Jammu and Kashmir (including the Kashmir Valley, Jammu, and Ladakh), while Pakistan held one-third (Gilgit, Baltistan, and so-called Azad Kashmir). India referred the matter to the United Nations, which brokered a ceasefire effective 1 January 1949 and established the Line of Control (LoC).

The UN resolution required Pakistan to withdraw its forces and India to maintain limited military presence. However, conditions for the plebiscite were never met. India lost about 1,100 soldiers, while Pakistan lost around 6,000, marking substantial losses on both sides.

2. The 1965 War – Operation Gibraltar and Grand Slam

After India’s defeat in the 1962 Sino-Indian War, Pakistan’s President Ayub Khan misjudged India’s military strength and launched Operation Gibraltar, intending to incite rebellion in Kashmir by sending soldiers disguised as locals.

The plan failed due to lack of local support and poor coordination. On 1 September 1965, Pakistan attacked the Chhamb sector, prompting a massive Indian counteroffensive in Punjab, Sialkot, and Kashmir, capturing several strategic locations.

Pakistan’s dream of capturing Kashmir collapsed. Both Operation Gibraltar and Operation Grand Slam failed. Under pressure from the UN, the US, and the Soviet Union, a ceasefire was declared on 23 September 1965.

The Tashkent Agreement was signed in January 1966 between Indian PM Lal Bahadur Shastri and Ayub Khan. Despite India’s military superiority, both countries agreed to return captured territories and restore peace. Strategically, India emerged stronger, although both nations returned to status quo borders.

3. The 1971 War – Birth of Bangladesh

The 1971 war stemmed from Pakistan’s brutal crackdown on the Bengali population in East Pakistan, leading to the influx of millions of refugees into India. After exhausting diplomatic solutions, India was compelled to act militarily.

On 3 December 1971, Pakistan launched Operation Chengiz Khan, attacking Indian airbases. India responded with decisive action on both eastern and western fronts. In the east, India adopted a blitzkrieg strategy, surrounding Pakistani forces through coordinated land, air, and naval assaults.

On 16 December 1971, Lt. Gen. A.A.K. Niazi of Pakistan surrendered with 93,000 troops to Lt. Gen. Jagjit Singh Aurora of India at the Ramna Racecourse in Dhaka, marking the largest public surrender in modern military history. Bangladesh was born, and India’s victory was total and historic.

4. The Kargil War (1999) – Operation Vijay

In 1999, Pakistani troops and militants stealthily crossed the LoC and occupied strategic peaks in Kargil sector, including Tololing, Tiger Hill, Drass, Batalik, and Mushkoh, aiming to cut the Srinagar–Leh highway (NH-1A) and sever Ladakh from Kashmir.

India responded with Operation Vijay, displaying heroic valor in treacherous terrain. The Air Force launched Operation Safed Sagar, while the Navy secured maritime zones via Operation Talwar.

Brave soldiers like Captain Vikram Batra, Captain Anuj Nayyar, and Major Rajesh Adhikari made supreme sacrifices. India recaptured all key positions and forced Pakistani retreat. The international community, including the US, supported India, and Pakistan was globally isolated.

The war ended on 26 July 1999, now commemorated as Kargil Vijay Diwas. India lost 527 soldiers and over 1,300 were injured, while Pakistan suffered both military and diplomatic humiliation.

5. The Surgical Strike (2016)

On 18 September 2016, Pakistani-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists attacked an Indian Army base in Uri, killing 18–19 soldiers. In retaliation, India launched a surgical strike across the LoC on 28–29 September 2016, targeting terror launch pads in PoK.

This was the first publicly acknowledged Indian strike inside Pakistani territory. The operation destroyed seven terror camps, killed 35–40 terrorists, and resulted in no Indian casualties (though two were injured). It marked a shift in India’s counterterrorism doctrine: direct, preemptive, and unapologetic.

India gained massive international support, while Pakistan faced mounting global pressure. The operation sent a clear message: “New India, New Doctrine.”

6. The Balakot Airstrike (2019)

On 14 February 2019, a suicide bombing in Pulwama by a Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist killed 40 CRPF soldiers. In response, on 26 February, the Indian Air Force conducted airstrikes deep inside Pakistan, hitting Jaish camps in Balakot, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

This marked the first time India crossed the LoC for a declared airstrike. Twelve Mirage-2000 jets executed the operation in 21 minutes, reportedly eliminating a large number of terrorists (though Pakistan denied the damage).

The strike delivered a psychological and strategic blow to Pakistan. India asserted its right to strike across borders against terrorism. The global community largely backed India. Pakistan retaliated with limited air action the next day, resulting in a rare aerial dogfight.

India’s Victories Are Not Just Battlefield Wins

India has defeated Pakistan not only militarily but also morally and diplomatically on the global stage. Bodies like the UN, USA, Russia, France, and others have consistently supported India’s defense policies, while Pakistan often finds itself isolated.

India: A Peace-Loving Nation with a Powerful Defense Policy

India has always initiated peace but has also responded with decisive force whenever Pakistan challenged its sovereignty or security. India’s doctrine is clear: “We do not seek war, but if imposed upon us, we will not step back.”

These wars and military operations prove that India is not only the world’s largest democracy but also a strong, organized, and strategically matured nation capable of defending its integrity at all costs.