India’s Major Military Operations Against Pakistan Since 1965

In the wake of Operation Sindoor and heightened national interest in India’s counter-offensives against cross-border terrorism, a look back at India’s past military operations against Pakistan reveals the country’s evolving strategic doctrine—from conventional warfare to surgical precision strikes. These operations, ranging from the 1965 Indo-Pak War to the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, demonstrate India’s determination to safeguard national security.

Background / Introduction

Since 1947, India and Pakistan have witnessed multiple military confrontations. Over the decades, India’s military responses have ranged from full-scale wars to special operations targeting terrorist infrastructure across the border. These operations have shaped South Asia’s geopolitical landscape, reinforcing India’s resolve against external aggression and terrorism.

Here’s a look at some of the past military operations by India against Pakistan

1. Operation Riddle (1965)

• Context: Response to Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar & Grand Slam
• Action: India attacked Lahore and Kasur
• Impact: Crippled Pakistan’s offensive, led to Tashkent Agreement

2. Operation Ablaze (1965)

• Objective: Pre-emptive troop mobilisation during the Rann of Kutch skirmishes
• Significance: Demonstrated India’s readiness before full war erupted

3. Operation Cactus Lily (1971)

• Context: Bangladesh Liberation War
• Mission: Air assault to cross Meghna River and reach Dhaka
• Significance: Enabled bypassing major Pakistani defences

4 & 5. Operations Trident and Python (1971)

• Conducted by: Indian Navy
• Target: Karachi Port
• Highlight: First use of anti-ship missiles in the region
• Impact: Massive losses for Pakistan; Bangladesh was created

6. Operation Meghdoot (1984)

• Objective: Occupy strategic heights in Siachen Glacier
• Forces Involved: Army & IAF
• Result: Secured tactically significant positions before Pakistan

7. Operation Vijay (1999)

• Context: Kargil War
• Goal: Evict Pakistani intruders from Indian territory
• Outcome: India recaptured all posts, forced Pakistani retreat

8. Operation Safed Sagar (1999)

• Branch: Indian Air Force
• Significance: First air war in Kashmir since 1971
• Mission: Air strikes on enemy positions in Kargil

9. Surgical Strikes (2016)

• Trigger: Uri terror attack
• Action: Indian Army struck terrorist launch pads across the LoC
• Note: Marked a doctrinal shift in India’s anti-terror approach

10. Operation Bandar (2019)

• Trigger: Pulwama attack killing 40 CRPF personnel
• Action: IAF struck Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot
• Significance: First cross-LoC airstrike since 1971; brief aerial skirmishes ensued