The Indo-Pak War of 1965 was a 17-day conflict fought over Kashmir. It began when Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, hoping to take control of the region. Pakistan had The war saw fierce battles in Chhamb, Asal Uttar, Lahore, and Chawinda, leading to heavy losses on both sides. By the end, India had the upper hand, marking a decisive Indian victory. A UN ceasefire was declared on September 23, 1965, and the Tashkent Agreement in January 1966 officially ended the war. This victory boosted India’s position in the region and had a lasting impact on India-Pakistan relations.
Pakistan’s decision to start the 1965 war with India came from several factors that made it believe the timing was right. Earlier that year, in the Rann of Kutch, a small clash broke out between Pakistani and Indian forces over disputed territory. India responded swiftly but kept it low-key, which gave Pakistan the impression that India might not be ready for a larger confrontation.
Adding to this belief was India’s recent loss to China in the 1962 Sino-Indian War, which had raised doubts about India’s military capabilities. On top of this, India was still adjusting to the loss of its long-time leader, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who had passed away in 1964, creating an air of political uncertainty in the country.
Seeing all these factors, Pakistan thought it had a strategic edge. It saw this moment as an opportunity to press for control over Kashmir through military action, ultimately leading to the full-scale conflict that became the 1965 war.
| Event | Date | Description |
| Beginning of Tensions | August 5, 1965 | Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, aiming to infiltrate forces into Kashmir to spark an insurgency. |
| Battle of Chhamb | September 1, 1965 | Pakistan launched an attack on the Chhamb sector, marking the first major battle of the war. |
| India’s Lahore Offensive | September 6, 1965 | India crossed the border into Pakistan and launched an offensive towards Lahore. |
| Battle of Asal Uttar | September 8-10, 1965 | A decisive Indian victory in the Khem Karan sector, halting Pakistan’s tank advances. |
| Battle of Chawinda | September 10-12, 1965 | One of the largest tank battles in Asia, fought near Sialkot, ended in a stalemate. |
| Ceasefire Declared | September 23, 1965 | A UN-mandated ceasefire ended the active hostilities between India and Pakistan. |
| Tashkent Agreement | January 10, 1966 | Both countries signed a peace agreement in Tashkent, officially ending the war and agreeing to withdraw troops. |
Detailed Timeline of Events in the India Pakistan War 1965
1) August 5, 1965 – Pakistan Launches Operation Gibraltar
On August 5, 1965, Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, a covert military strategy aimed at infiltrating Indian-administered Kashmir. The operation was conceived by Pakistan’s President Ayub Khan and his military leadership, with the primary objective of instigating an insurgency in Kashmir. Pakistan hoped to spark a local uprising among the Kashmiri population against Indian rule, eventually leading to the region’s annexation by Pakistan.
The plan involved deploying Pakistani forces, including special forces and paramilitary troops, into the Kashmir Valley. These troops were disguised as locals, intending to blend in with the civilian population. Their mission was to carry out sabotage operations, spread dissent, and create the appearance of a wider rebellion. Pakistan believed that this would weaken Indian control and provoke a response that could be exploited diplomatically.
These captured Pakistani paratroopers of the 19th Baluch Regiment were specially trained for commando duties and were assigned the task of destroying the Pathankot airfield. Many of the large number of paratroopers rounded up at various places in the country have confessed that their object was to destroy vital installations.(Pic Credit: Bharat-rakshak.com)
Operation Gibraltar was designed to be a low-intensity conflict. The Pakistani military hoped to avoid a full-scale war and instead rely on these covert actions to destabilize Kashmir and force India to the negotiating table. The infiltrators were tasked with attacking Indian positions, sabotaging infrastructure, and creating chaos within the region. They also aimed to encourage local Kashmiri resistance fighters, known as Mujahideen, to join the fight against Indian forces.
However, the operation faced significant challenges. The infiltrators were not able to gain the level of local support Pakistan had hoped for, and their presence was soon detected by Indian intelligence. In response, India launched a counteroffensive, quickly identifying and neutralizing the infiltrators. The lack of widespread local insurgency further undermined the operation’s goals.
Despite these challenges, the failure of Operation Gibraltar did not stop Pakistan from escalating the conflict. The initial covert operation ultimately set the stage for the direct military engagement between India and Pakistan that would soon follow, leading to the full-scale 1965 India-Pakistan War.
Scouring the countryside in Jammu & Kashmir, Indian troops traced huge quantities of weapons and war materials hidden by the Pakistani infiltrators. (Pic Credit: Bharat-Rakshak.com)
2) September 1, 1965 – Battle of Chamb
The Battle of Chamb was a critical engagement in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, spanning from September 1 to September 4, 1965, in the Chamb-Jaurian sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The battle centered around Pakistan’s strategic goal of capturing the Chamb area to cut off Indian supply routes to Jammu, particularly the Akhnoor Bridge, which was a lifeline for Indian forces. Pakistan believed that seizing this area could create significant logistical challenges for India in maintaining control over Jammu and Kashmir.
Operation Grand Slam, the Pakistani military operation for this offensive, was led by Major General Akhtar Hussain Malik. Pakistani forces, which included units of the 12th Division, launched the operation with a combined assault of artillery, infantry, and armored divisions. Equipped with M-47 and M-48 Patton tanks, Pakistan’s military had a considerable advantage in firepower and mobility over the Indian defenses in the region. Their objective was to swiftly advance through Chamb, cross the Tawi River, and capture the Akhnoor Bridge, which would severely disrupt India’s supply chain to the area.
On September 1, 1965, Pakistan initiated the battle with an intense artillery barrage on Indian positions in Chamb, immediately followed by an armored assault. This opening move overwhelmed Indian forces, who were initially caught off guard by the speed and intensity of the attack. The Indian forces, commanded by Brigadier Rajinder Singh, consisted of infantry units and limited armored support, making it challenging to counter Pakistan’s rapid tank advance. Despite these challenges, Indian troops displayed resilience, attempting to delay the Pakistani forces to the best of their ability.
By September 2, the Pakistani army had made substantial progress, advancing deeper into Indian-controlled territory and capturing several strategic points. The Indian forces made several efforts to regroup and launch counter-attacks, but Pakistan’s armor and artillery superiority created substantial difficulties. Pakistani tanks and infantry moved quickly to secure areas within the Chamb sector, forcing the Indian troops to withdraw gradually to avoid encirclement. By September 3, the pressure from the Pakistani advance compelled Indian forces to retreat further, and Pakistan captured several key defensive positions that provided control over most of the Chamb sector.
On September 4, the battle effectively came to a close with Pakistan’s capture of the main areas in Chamb, securing a tactical victory. Pakistan achieved its initial objectives in the operation, disrupting Indian control over the Chamb-Jaurian sector and posing a significant threat to the Akhnoor supply line. However, this battle did not lead to further territorial gains, as the larger Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 continued on other fronts. In January 1966, after intense fighting on multiple fronts and international pressure, both nations agreed to a ceasefire with the Tashkent Agreement, which mandated that they would return to their pre-war positions.
3) September 6, 1965 – India’s Lahore Offensive
On September 6, 1965, India launched a major offensive targeting Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city and a strategic hub. India had decided to open a new front in response to Operation Grand Slam, Pakistan’s earlier assault on the Chamb-Jaurian sector in Jammu and Kashmir. The aim of India’s Lahore offensive was twofold: to force Pakistan to divert its forces from Jammu and to gain a strategic foothold near Lahore, placing pressure on Pakistan’s key cities and creating a bargaining tool in the event of negotiations.
Early on the morning of September 6, India mobilized its forces across the International Border (IB) in Punjab. The main offensive was led by XI Corps, commanded by Lieutenant General Joginder Singh Dhillon, with the 15th Infantry Division spearheading the advance towards Lahore. The plan involved capturing Wagah, the border town, and pushing towards Burki, a strategic village that would serve as an access point to Lahore. The Indian forces hoped to advance quickly, leveraging the element of surprise and overwhelming Pakistan’s defensive units stationed along the border.
Indian troops made significant progress initially, as Pakistani forces were unprepared for the scale and intensity of the attack. Indian forces quickly captured the border posts, crossed Wagah, and made their way towards Lahore’s outskirts. Within a few hours, Indian tanks and infantry had pushed Pakistani defenses back to Burki and Dograi, strategic points located just a few kilometers from Lahore. The 3rd Jat Regiment of the Indian Army, under Lieutenant Colonel Desmond Hayde, played a notable role in capturing Dograi, fighting intense battles with entrenched Pakistani troops and securing control over the village. Dograi had been a Pakistani stronghold, and its capture by Indian forces was a critical gain in the advance towards Lahore.
Pakistan responded quickly to India’s offensive by mobilizing reinforcements to the region, bringing in units from 7th and 10th Infantry Divisions to defend Lahore. Pakistani forces established strong defensive positions around Burki and launched counterattacks to halt the Indian advance. By September 8, both sides were locked in fierce fighting around Burki, with the Pakistani troops making extensive use of artillery and defensive maneuvers to repel the Indian forces.
Indian forces continued to make progress in certain areas despite the intense Pakistani resistance. However, the advance towards Lahore slowed considerably due to logistical challenges, tough resistance from the entrenched Pakistani defenses, and mounting casualties on both sides. India’s initial objective of capturing Lahore outright became increasingly difficult as Pakistani reinforcements and defensive preparations solidified. The Indian Army reached the Ichhogil Canal, a defensive waterway east of Lahore, but Pakistani forces held this line effectively, preventing Indian troops from advancing further into the city. The canal proved to be a major defensive advantage for Pakistan, as it provided a natural barrier that the Indian forces could not easily cross under heavy Pakistani fire.
By mid-September, the fighting around Lahore and other fronts intensified, with both countries deploying more forces and engaging in tank battles, artillery bombardments, and close combat. The conflict expanded to include air and naval operations, marking one of the largest military engagements in the region since independence. The Lahore front remained a focal point of intense combat throughout the war. Despite India’s initial successes and gains around Wagah, Dograi, and Burki, the offensive did not achieve the larger goal of capturing Lahore. By September 23, 1965, under intense international pressure, both nations agreed to a ceasefire.
4) September 8-10, 1965 – Battle of Asal Uttar
The Battle of Asal Uttar took place between September 8 and 10, 1965, in the Khem Karan sector of Punjab, India, during the India Pakistan War of 1965. The Pakistani forces, primarily made up of M-47 and M-48 Patton tanks, launched an offensive aimed at advancing into Indian territory, with the goal of capturing Khem Karan and ultimately progressing towards Amritsar. The Indian forces, stationed in the region, were caught off guard by the speed and intensity of the Pakistani attack but were well-prepared for a defense using the natural terrain to their advantage.
Indian forces set up strong defensive positions in the Asal Uttar area, using the dense sugarcane fields and narrow roads to their benefit. The Indian Army’s 106mm recoilless rifle was placed strategically along the paths the Pakistani tanks would follow. These anti-tank weapons, along with hidden infantry and artillery positions, were key to the Indian defense. The Pakistani forces, advancing with their armored columns, were lured into a carefully planned ambush. As the tanks approached, the Indian forces opened fire, knocking out a significant number of Pakistani tanks.
The 4th Battalion, The Grenadiers, under Lieutenant Colonel Desmond Hayde, was instrumental in holding the line. The Indian soldiers destroyed several tanks in quick succession, forcing the Pakistani forces to reconsider their approach. One of the most iconic moments of the battle came when Havildar Abdul Hamid, using his 106mm recoilless rifle, destroyed multiple Pakistani tanks single-handedly, despite being under heavy enemy fire. His actions significantly delayed the Pakistani advance and became a symbol of bravery in the battle.
Over the next few days, the Pakistani forces attempted multiple counterattacks, trying to break through the Indian defenses. However, the terrain, coupled with well-coordinated ambushes, severely slowed their progress. The Pakistani tanks were highly vulnerable to the anti-tank fire from Indian positions, and the aggressive Indian countermeasures kept them from advancing deeper into Indian territory. As the battle progressed, Indian forces destroyed over 90 Pakistani tanks, a staggering loss for Pakistan’s armored division. By September 10, the Pakistani offensive had completely stalled, and they were forced to retreat, leaving behind a large number of disabled tanks and vehicles.
The Pakistani 1st Armored Division, which had been the spearhead of the attack, suffered massive losses, with many of their tanks being either destroyed or immobilized. The Pakistani 7th Infantry Division and other reinforcements that were sent to support the attack also failed to break through the Indian defenses. The loss of so many tanks was a significant blow to the Pakistani war effort, as tanks were seen as the key to their offensive operations.
By the end of the battle, the Pakistani forces had been pushed back, and the Indian defense had held strong. The area around Asal Uttar became a graveyard for Pakistani tanks, with over 90 tanks destroyed, severely damaging Pakistan’s armored capabilities in the region. This battle marked a turning point in the Western Front of the war, shifting momentum in favour of India.
5) September 10-12, 1965 – Battle of Chawinda
The Battle of Chawinda, which occurred from September 10 to 12, 1965, was one of the largest tank battles in history and was a crucial engagement during the India Pakistan War of 1965. It took place as part of the larger Sialkot campaign, a significant military operation aimed at countering Pakistan’s advances into the Indian region of Jammu and Kashmir. The battle occurred near the village of Chawinda in the Sialkot sector, which was strategically important for both sides. The Indian forces, under the command of Lieutenant General Pat Dunn, aimed to drive a wedge between the Pakistani 6th Armoured Division and the town of Sialkot, which was critical for Pakistan’s defense strategy.
The battle began after Indian forces launched an offensive towards Sialkot and succeeded in capturing several key positions, including Phillora. As Indian forces continued their advance, Pakistan responded by rushing reinforcements from their 6th Armoured Division and 1st Armoured Division, which included about 135 tanks of various types, including M47 and M48 Patton tanks, and Sherman tanks. The initial clashes in Chawinda coincided with the Battle of Phillora, and as the Pakistani forces in Phillora retreated, the fighting around Chawinda intensified.
Pakistan’s I Corps, led by Lieutenant General Bakhtiar Rana, mounted a defense in the Chawinda region, bolstered by the 6th Armoured Division, 25th Cavalry Regiment, and other supporting infantry and artillery units. The Indian forces, led by the 1st Armoured Division, with support from the 6th Mountain Division and 14th Infantry Division, continued their offensive, aiming to isolate and defeat the Pakistani forces in the area. Intense tank battles broke out, particularly around Gadgor, as Pakistani forces attempted to stop the Indian advance. The terrain, combined with Indian tank and artillery superiority, made it difficult for the Pakistani tanks to gain ground, with many suffering significant losses.
By September 12, despite continued counterattacks by Pakistan, the Indian forces had pushed back the Pakistani defenses, forcing them to retreat to Chawinda. The Indian offensive had inflicted heavy losses on the Pakistani armored divisions, with over 100 Pakistani tanks destroyed. However, the situation for India remained precarious as Pakistan received reinforcements, including the 8th Infantry Division and the 1st Armoured Division, which stabilized the situation for Pakistan. The battle turned into a stalemate, and by September 18, Indian forces launched a final assault with the 1st Armoured Division and 6th Mountain Division, but they were repelled with significant losses.
The Battle of Chawinda ended when the United Nations intervened and called for a ceasefire, which took effect on September 23, 1965. While India claimed to have held significant Pakistani territory in the Sialkot sector, including towns like Phillora, Suchetgarh, and Chaprar, the territories were later returned to Pakistan under the terms of the Tashkent Agreement in January 1966. The battle, along with other key engagements like Asal Uttar, played a significant role in halting the Pakistani offensive and ultimately leading to a ceasefire, marking the end of hostilities in the 1965 war.
6) September 6-22, 1965 – Battle of Lahore (Multiple Skirmishes)
The Battle of Lahore consisted of several skirmishes and engagements between September 6 and September 22, as Indian and Pakistani forces clashed near Lahore. Indian troops aimed to secure strategic points on the outskirts of the city, including Burki and Hussainiwala.
While Indian forces made progress, they chose to hold their positions instead of pressing further into the city. The battle around Lahore was marked by fierce resistance from Pakistani forces, and despite India’s advances, the city itself remained under Pakistani control.
7) September 10-23, 1965 – Fighting in the Sialkot Sector
In the Sialkot sector, intense fighting continued throughout the war. This area saw some of the heaviest tank battles of the conflict. Both India and Pakistan aimed to gain strategic advantage in the region, and large numbers of armored units were deployed.
The clashes in Sialkot, particularly around Philora and Jassoran, remained unresolved until the ceasefire. While the Sialkot sector did not produce a decisive victory for either side, it drained resources and manpower from both militaries, impacting their overall capabilities.
8) September 23, 1965 – Ceasefire Declared
After intense fighting, both India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on September 23, 1965, under the mediation of the United Nations. The UN called for an end to hostilities as the conflict had caused significant casualties and destruction. The ceasefire marked the official end of active combat and thus the India Pakistan war of 1965, though tensions between the two countries remained.
The Tashkent Agreement – January 10, 1966
Following the ceasefire of India Pakistan war of 1965, peace negotiations took place in Tashkent (then part of the Soviet Union) in January 1966. On January 10, 1966, Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Pakistani President Ayub Khan signed the Tashkent Agreement. The agreement required both countries to withdraw their forces to pre-war positions, effectively restoring the status quo.
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