There have been 5 major wars fought by India. 4 of them have been with Pakistan and one with China. India attained victory in all the 4 wars with Pakistan but suffered a defeat in the war against China. Here is the list of all the wars fought by India.
1) The Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-48
Background of the Conflict
The first war to be fought between India and Pakistan was just after the Independence in 1947. Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir had decided not to accede wither to India or Pakistan. Pakistan attacked Kashmir first through tribal and irregulars and later with the army.
Maharaja then requested India for Military help and agreed to accede to India. Once the Instrument of accession was signed, Indian Forces Landed into the Srinagar Airfield the next day.
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Prime Minister: Jawaharlal Nehru
Nehru played a diplomatic role by involving the United Nations (UN) in the conflict. He believed in resolving the Kashmir issue through dialogue and international mediation.
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Result: Ceasefire & Division of Kashmir
The war ended with the UN-brokered ceasefire on January 1, 1949. The ceasefire line, now known as the Line of Control (LoC), divided the region into Pakistan-administered Pak Occupied Kashmir and Jammu and Kashmir. The issue of Kashmir still remains unresolved.
Click here to read the full detail of the 1st India Pakistan war for Kashmir.
2) The Sino-Indian War of 1962
Causes of the War
Prime Minister: Jawaharlal Nehru
Nehru underestimated China’s military intentions, believing that India and China, both emerging post-colonial nations, would avoid conflict. However, when diplomatic efforts failed, India was caught unprepared for China’s aggressive military action.
Result: Chinese Victory
In October 1962, China launched a well-coordinated attack along the northern frontier, rapidly overwhelming Indian forces. The war ended with a Chinese unilateral ceasefire and withdrawal to the pre-war positions. India, shocked by the defeat, began to prioritize military modernization, focusing on improving infrastructure and defense capabilities in border regions.
Click here to read full details of the India China war of 1962.
3) The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
Events Leading to the Conflict
Tensions over Kashmir flared again in 1965, leading to the second full-scale war between India and Pakistan. The conflict was preceded by several border skirmishes and infiltration attempts by Pakistani forces into Indian-administered Kashmir (Operation Gibraltar), aimed at inciting a rebellion.
Prime Minister: Lal Bahadur Shastri
Shastri handled the war with calm determination, rallying both the military and the public with his famous slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer), symbolizing the importance of both military and agricultural strength.
Result: Stalemate and Tashkent Agreement
Though the war saw heavy fighting across the international border in Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan, it ended in a military stalemate. Both sides claimed victory, but a formal ceasefire was agreed upon through the Tashkent Agreement in January 1966, facilitated by the Soviet Union. The conflict did not resolve the Kashmir issue, and the region remained a flashpoint for future wars.
4) The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Causes of the Conflict: Bangladesh Liberation
The 1971 war was rooted in the political and humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). After years of political and economic discrimination by West Pakistan, the people of East Pakistan, led by the Awami League, demanded independence. Pakistan’s military crackdown on the region led to a massive refugee crisis in India, which eventually intervened militarily.
Prime Minister: Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi’s decision to support the Bangladeshi freedom movement was strategic, bolstered by a mutual defence treaty with the Soviet Union. The Indian Army, along with Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi freedom fighters), launched a coordinated military operation.
Result: Indian Victory & Creation of Bangladesh
5) The Siachen Conflict (1984–Ongoing)
Background and Geography of Siachen
Siachen is located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas and is one of the highest battlegrounds in the world, with altitudes reaching up to 20,000 feet. The conflict between India and Pakistan over this region began when both nations sought control of the glacier due to its strategic location.
Prime Minister: Indira Gandhi (at the start)
In 1984, under Indira Gandhi’s leadership, Indian forces launched “Operation Meghdoot” to preempt Pakistan’s attempt to seize control of the glacier. Indian troops successfully captured key positions on the glacier.
Result: Ongoing Conflict
Despite numerous skirmishes and attempts at peace, the conflict over Siachen remains unresolved. Both nations maintain a military presence in the harsh conditions, making it one of the longest-running military standoffs in the world.
6) The Kargil War of 1999
Causes of the War
Kargil war was fought when Pakistan backstabbed India. During winters due to harsh conditions, it was an unsaid mutual understanding between the forces of both countries to withdraw back. During the winter of 1988, Indian forces withdrew from the posts, but the Pakistani forces used this opportunity to capture these posts left vacant by India.
Prime Minister: Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Result: Indian Victory
After intense fighting in the rugged, mountainous terrain, Indian forces successfully reclaimed the occupied positions by July 1999. The war was a significant victory for India, restoring its territorial integrity. It also marked a turning point in India-Pakistan relations, with global powers pressuring Pakistan to withdraw its forces and de-escalate tensions.
7) Other Notable Conflicts
Operation Vijay (1961): Annexation of Goa
In 1961, India launched Operation Vijay to liberate Goa from Portuguese rule. After nearly 450 years under colonial control, Goa’s annexation marked the end of European presence in India.
Prime Minister: Jawaharlal Nehru
Nehru ordered the military operation following failed diplomatic negotiations with Portugal. The operation saw minimal resistance, as Portuguese forces were outnumbered and under-equipped.
Result: Indian Victory
Within 36 hours, Indian forces successfully annexed Goa, along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. This peaceful annexation brought Goa into the Indian Union and marked a significant moment in India’s post-colonial journey.
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Kargil war a back stabbing by Pakistan on India. Just few days prior, it seemed that relations are getting better. Delhi Lahore Bus service was started. Both the PMs has met. But on the back of it, The rouge country was planning to attack and kill indians.