Second Kashmir War

The India-Pakistan War of 1965 was the second major war fought between the two countries after Partition in 1947. The War also called the ‘Second Kashmir War’ was a culmination of skirmishes that took place in the preceding months. The seventeen-day War (6 September-22 September 1965) caused thousands of casualties on both sides.  The hostilities between the two countries ended after a ceasefire was declared through the United Nations Security Council Resolution, following diplomatic intervention by the Soviet Union and the United States, and the subsequent issuance of the Tashkent Declaration. India had the upper hand over Pakistan when the ceasefire was declared and the conflict was seen as a strategic and political defeat for Pakistan.

In 1965 India was still recovering from the 1962 War with China. Pakistan thought it the right time to seize Kashmir from India. Skirmishes started in April 1965, with a Pakistani attack on Indian forces in the Rann of Kutch. India responded and repulsed the attack and also mobilized its troops in the Punjab and Kargil sectors, but stood down the troops by the end of July, in response to the UN intervention. Pakistan did not back off and launched Operation Gibraltar in August, by sending covertly about 12,000 trained mujahids to Kashmir. Pakistan expected India to collapse; however, India repelled the attack and even captured the Haji Pir Bulge, cutting off the entry and exit points into the Kashmir Valley. Operation Gibraltar failed and Pakistan then launched Operation Grand Slam in September 1965 in the Chhamb and Jaurian sectors.