How Russia Helped India During the 1971 War When All Countries Were Against It

Background of the 1971 Indo-Pak War

The 1971 Indo-Pakistan War arose from the Bangladesh Liberation War. Pakistan’s military launched Operation Searchlight in March 1971 to crush Bengali demands for autonomy in East Pakistan. This brutal campaign caused mass killings and rapes, with estimates of up to 3 million deaths and millions of refugees fleeing to India. India, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, faced a humanitarian crisis and geopolitical pressure to intervene.

Global Opposition to India

India faced near-universal opposition from major powers. The United States, under President Richard Nixon, supported Pakistan, a key ally in the Cold War and a conduit to China. The U.S. ignored Pakistan’s atrocities and provided military aid. China, Pakistan’s close ally, also opposed India. Many Western and Arab nations backed Pakistan due to strategic or religious ties, isolating India on the global stage.

Soviet Union as India’s Key Ally

The Soviet Union stood out as India’s primary supporter. In August 1971, the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation was signed, ensuring mutual defense. Under Leonid Brezhnev, the Soviet Union saw India as a counterweight to U.S. and Chinese influence in South Asia. This treaty provided India with critical diplomatic and military backing during the crisis.

Soviet Diplomatic Support in the UN

As Pakistan, backed by the U.S., accused India of aggression at the United Nations, the Soviet Union used its veto power in the Security Council. Between December 4 and 16, 1971, the Soviets vetoed three U.S.-sponsored resolutions calling for a ceasefire and withdrawal, which would have favored Pakistan. These vetoes shielded India from international pressure, allowing its military campaign to proceed.

Soviet Military Assistance

The Soviet Union supplied India with vital military equipment, including T-55 tanks, MiG-21 jets, and anti-aircraft systems. These bolstered India’s capabilities against Pakistan’s U.S.-supplied Patton tanks and F-86 Sabre jets. The Soviet Navy deployed submarines and warships in the Indian Ocean to monitor and deter potential U.S. intervention, particularly in response to the USS Enterprise deployment.

The USS Enterprise Incident

On December 10, 1971, the U.S. sent Task Force 74, led by the USS Enterprise, to the Bay of Bengal, officially for evacuation but widely seen as a show of support for Pakistan. The Soviet Union countered by deploying naval units, including cruisers, destroyers, and a nuclear submarine, from Vladivostok. These forces trailed the U.S. fleet from December 18, 1971, to January 7, 1972, neutralizing the threat and reassuring India.

Soviet Naval Counteraction

The Soviet naval presence included ships with anti-ship cruise missiles and nuclear submarines, which shadowed the U.S. task force. The Soviets also provided India with real-time intelligence on U.S. movements, as confirmed by Prof. PN Dhar, Secretary to the Prime Minister. This ensured India could focus on its offensive without fear of U.S. intervention.

Moral and Humanitarian Alignment

The Soviet Union supported India’s humanitarian stance against Pakistan’s atrocities. Soviet media highlighted the genocide in East Pakistan, amplifying India’s narrative globally. This moral alignment contrasted with the U.S. and China, which downplayed the crisis to maintain their strategic interests.

Impact on the War’s Outcome

Soviet support was crucial to India’s victory. On December 3, 1971, Pakistan’s preemptive air strikes triggered the war. India, with Soviet backing, supported the Mukti Bahini and launched a coordinated offensive in East Pakistan. The Soviet diplomatic shield and military aid ensured India’s success, culminating in Pakistan’s surrender on December 16, 1971, and the creation of Bangladesh.

Strengthening Indo-Soviet Relations

The war solidified the Indo-Soviet partnership. Soviet support during India’s isolation deepened trust, leading to expanded military and economic cooperation. The Soviet Union became India’s primary arms supplier, and the relationship shaped India’s foreign policy during the Cold War.

Legacy of Soviet Support

The Soviet Union’s role in 1971 remains a cornerstone of India-Russia relations. It demonstrated the power of strategic alliances in overcoming global opposition. Soviet backing validated India’s humanitarian mission and ensured the success of its military campaign, leaving a lasting impact on South Asian history.