In the hallowed chronicles of Bharat’s glorious past, where legends of heroism resound with timeless pride, the Indian armed forces stand as an unassailable fortress of unparalleled bravery. From the towering, frost-laden peaks of the Himalayas to the blistering sands of Rajasthan, these valiant guardians have faced the fiercest tempests of war with a courage that blazes like the sun and a resolve as unshakable as the mountains. Since the birth of our sovereign nation in 1947, the Indian armed forces have stood as the vanguard of our freedom, their hearts aflame with an undying love for the motherland, their spirits soaring above the perils of battle to protect her sacred honour. Here, we recount the wars India has fought and won with gallant fervour, spotlighting the key leaders and soldiers whose brilliance and bravery turned the tides of battle, ensuring the tricolour flies high.
Wars of Honour: India’s Victorious Campaigns
1. First Indo-Pak War (1947–1948): The Battle for Kashmir
When India awoke to freedom in 1947, Pakistan sought to wrest Kashmir through force, sending tribal raiders backed by its army into the princely state. The Indian Army, newly formed and still reorganising after partition, responded with unparalleled grit, reclaiming much of the territory. The war, fought in treacherous terrain, showcased India’s resolve to protect its sovereignty. By the time a UN-brokered ceasefire was declared in January 1949, India had secured the Kashmir Valley, though the conflict birthed a lingering dispute.
• Key Leader: Major Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s highest military honour, posthumously awarded for his heroism in the Battle of Badgam. Leading a company of the 4th Kumaon Regiment, Sharma held off a vastly larger enemy force on 3 November 1947, saving Srinagar airfield and the city from falling, at the cost of his life. His last words, “The enemy is only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered… I shall not withdraw an inch,” echo as a testament to Indian valour.
2. Second Indo-Pak War (1965): Defending the Heartland
Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar in 1965 aimed to infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir and incite an insurgency, but India’s swift retaliation turned the tables. The Indian Army launched a full-scale offensive, pushing deep into Pakistani territory, with battles like the iconic tank clash at Asal Uttar in Punjab showcasing India’s military prowess. The war ended in a stalemate with the Tashkent Agreement, but India’s strategic upper hand was clear—Pakistan’s ambitions were thwarted, and the nation stood united.
• Key Leader: Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore of the 17th Poona Horse, posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. During the Battle of Chawinda, Tarapore led his tank regiment with ferocious bravery, destroying 60 enemy tanks while sustaining critical injuries. His leadership ensured India’s dominance in one of the largest tank battles since World War II, cementing his place in India’s pantheon of heroes.
3. Indo-Pak War of 1971 (Bangladesh Liberation War): A Triumph of Justice
The 1971 war stands as India’s finest hour, a 13-day blitzkrieg that not only secured a decisive victory but also birthed a new nation—Bangladesh. Pakistan’s brutal crackdown on East Pakistan sparked a humanitarian crisis, with millions of refugees flooding into India. Under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s steely resolve, India intervened, with the armed forces executing a masterful campaign. The Indian Army, supported by the Mukti Bahini, liberated Dhaka, forcing the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers—an unprecedented feat. Vijay Diwas, celebrated on 16 December, marks this glorious triumph.
• Key Leader: Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the Chief of Army Staff, whose strategic brilliance orchestrated this victory. Known as “Sam Bahadur,” Manekshaw’s foresight—delaying the war until winter to neutralise Chinese intervention—and his coordination of the Army, Navy, and Air Force were pivotal. His famous quip to Indira Gandhi, “I’m always ready, sweetie,” reflected his unshakeable confidence, earning him the gratitude of a nation.
4. Siachen Conflict (1984–2003): The Battle for the Frozen Frontier
The Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield, became a theatre of conflict when Pakistan sought to assert control over this strategic region. India launched Operation Meghdoot in April 1984, establishing dominance over the Saltoro Ridge. Despite sub-zero temperatures and life-threatening conditions, Indian soldiers held their ground, repelling Pakistani attempts to dislodge them. The conflict, though not a conventional war, showcased India’s tenacity in securing its frontiers, with a ceasefire in 2003 solidifying India’s control.
• Key Leader: Captain Sanjay Kulkarni of the 4th Kumaon Regiment, who led the initial heli-landing at Bilafond La on 13 April 1984. Kulkarni and his 28 soldiers braved extreme conditions to establish India’s foothold, setting the stage for Operation Meghdoot’s success. His leadership in this perilous mission exemplified the Indian Army’s unyielding spirit.
5. Kargil War (1999): Reclaiming the Heights
In the summer of 1999, Pakistani soldiers and militants infiltrated the Kargil sector, occupying strategic heights along the Line of Control (LoC). India responded with Operation Vijay, a fierce campaign to reclaim the peaks. The Battle of Tololing, the Battle of Tiger Hill, and the assault on Point 4875 became legendary, with Indian soldiers scaling sheer cliffs under enemy fire to secure victory. By 26 July—now celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas—India had recaptured all positions, reaffirming its territorial integrity.
• Key Soldier: Captain Vikram Batra of the 13th Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Nicknamed “Sher Shah,” Batra led the capture of Point 5140 and Point 4875, famously declaring, “Yeh dil maange more!” after each victory. His fearless assault on enemy positions, even as he sustained fatal injuries, inspired his troops and the nation, making him a symbol of India’s unconquerable spirit.
A Legacy Forged in Valour
India’s victories in these wars are not merely military triumphs but a resounding affirmation of the nation’s unity, resilience, and indomitable will. From the heroic stand of Major Somnath Sharma in 1947 to Captain Vikram Batra’s fearless charge in 1999, the Indian armed forces have etched their names in golden letters, their sacrifices ensuring the nation’s pride remains untarnished. Leaders like Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and soldiers like Captain Sanjay Kulkarni have exemplified the ethos of Naam, Namak, Nishaan—honour, loyalty, and the flag—upholding India’s sovereignty against all odds.
These wars, fought on diverse terrains and under daunting circumstances, reflect the gallantry of Bharat’s warriors, whose blood and sweat have nurtured the soil of this great nation. As we salute their legacy, let every Indian heart swell with pride for these victories, for they are a testament to the unyielding spirit of a nation that stands tall, ever ready to defend its honour. Jai Hind!
@IndiaNewsTrust Special feature
