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Military history

Wars & operations, 1947–1999

Six campaigns that shaped India's security, from the defence of Jammu & Kashmir to Kargil. Remember · Honour · Learn.

October 1947 – January 1949

1947–48 Jammu & Kashmir Operations

Operations to defend Jammu & Kashmir, beginning with the airlift to Srinagar.

  • Badgam
  • Shalateng
  • Uri
  • Poonch
  • Zoji La

Sources: Ministry of Defence (History Division), Official History of the Jammu & Kashmir Operations 1947–48; National War Memorial and regimental archives

October – November 1962

1962 India–China War

The Himalayan conflict across Ladakh and the Eastern Sector, remembered for last-man-last-round stands.

  • Rezang La
  • Walong

Sources: Ministry of Defence, parliamentary and historical records on the 1962 conflict; Rezang La War Memorial, Chushul

August – September 1965

1965 India–Pakistan War

Air-land operations across the western theatre.

  • Haji Pir Pass (captured)
  • Asal Uttar
  • Phillora

Sources: Ministry of Defence (History Division), Official History of the 1965 War

3 – 16 December 1971

1971 Liberation War

A 13-day tri-service campaign by the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Outcome: Culminated in the liberation of Bangladesh.

Sources: Ministry of Defence (History Division), Official History of the 1971 War

13 April 1984 – present

Operation Meghdoot, Siachen

Operations on the Saltoro Ridge and Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield.

  • Saltoro Ridge
  • Siachen Glacier

Sources: Indian Army and Indian Air Force official records on Operation Meghdoot

May – 26 July 1999

1999 Kargil War

Operations Vijay, Safed Sagar and Talwar.

  • Kargil
  • Drass
  • Batalik
  • Mushkoh

Outcome: Recapture of Himalayan peaks up to 18,000 feet.

Sources: Kargil Review Committee Report (2000); Kargil War Memorial, Drass; Ministry of Defence records

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