The Indo-Pak War of 1965, often interpreted as a stalemate, was in fact a decisive victory for India. Fought between April and September of 1965, this war was rooted in the ongoing dispute over Kashmir, a region that both India and Pakistan claimed. Though Pakistan had attempted to shift the balance of power in its favour, India’s strategic brilliance, military strength, and the resilience of its armed forces ensured that it came out on top. The war demonstrated India’s ability to defend its sovereignty against external aggression, leaving Pakistan diplomatically and militarily weakened.
Battle of Sialkot
Among the many battles fought during the 1965 war, the Battle of Sialkot was one of the largest and most significant for the Indian Army. This confrontation, which took place near the town of Sialkot in Pakistan, became the largest tank battle between India and Pakistan and one of the largest tank battles in history since World War II. The Indian Army launched a counter-offensive in the Sialkot sector to counterbalance Pakistani advances in the Chamb-Jaurian area. With the aim of neutralising Pakistani military infrastructure and supply lines, Indian forces deployed the 1st Armoured Division, supported by infantry units.
The battlefield was dominated by tanks, and Pakistan had positioned its elite formations, including the American-supplied M48 Patton tanks. These tanks were considered technologically advanced compared to India’s Centurion and Sherman tanks, but the Indian forces demonstrated superior tactics. The Centurion tanks, though older, were highly manoeuvrable, and Indian commanders used them effectively against the Pakistani armoured divisions. In one of the most notable clashes of the battle, Indian tank formations decimated a significant number of Pakistani tanks, leaving their formations crippled.
Despite their technological edge, the Pakistani forces were unable to counter India’s well-executed strategy. The Battle of Sialkot was a crucial victory for India, as it not only weakened Pakistan’s military capabilities but also delivered a psychological blow. The defeat exposed the vulnerabilities of Pakistan’s army and highlighted India’s growing military prowess.
Heroism of the Indian Airforce
The Indian Air Force (IAF) played a critical role in ensuring India’s success during the war. Although Pakistan initially held a numerical and technological edge, with its air force equipped with American-supplied F-86 Sabre jets, the IAF pilots’ courage and tactical superiority turned the tide. Despite flying aircraft that were often older and less advanced than their Pakistani counterparts, Indian pilots executed daring and precise air operations that gained them dominance in the sky.
From the outset, the Indian Air Force engaged Pakistani airbases, military installations, and supply depots deep within enemy territory. Their objective was clear: to cripple Pakistan’s offensive capabilities and disrupt its logistics. The IAF’s attacks on Pakistani airbases, particularly in Sargodha and Peshawar, inflicted substantial damage and reduced the number of operational jets Pakistan could deploy. Indian pilots braved intense anti-aircraft fire to execute these missions, often flying in hazardous conditions.
The heroism of Indian pilots was evident in their ability to take on and defeat technically superior Pakistani jets in dogfights. Time and again, the IAF proved that skill and courage could triumph over superior hardware. By the middle of the conflict, the Indian Air Force had successfully established air superiority, which allowed the Indian Army to carry out its operations with greater freedom and precision.
Pakistan’s Ineffective Airstrike
Pakistan had entered the war with the belief that its air force, equipped with American military hardware, would be a decisive factor. Early in the conflict, Pakistan launched several ambitious airstrikes, aiming to cripple Indian airbases and military infrastructure. One of the most significant of these airstrikes targeted India’s Pathankot airbase. However, while the initial raid caused some damage, the overall impact of Pakistan’s airstrikes was far less than anticipated.
Pakistan’s air campaign faltered for several reasons. The Indian Air Force quickly adapted to the threat, improving their defences and launching counter-offensive operations. Indian radar systems and intelligence networks provided timely information, allowing Indian pilots to intercept Pakistani jets before they could cause substantial harm. Additionally, the coordination between Pakistan’s air and ground forces was poor, resulting in many of their strikes missing key targets. This inefficiency became more pronounced as the war progressed, with Pakistan losing several jets to India’s counter-attacks.
Another major factor contributing to the failure of Pakistan’s air strategy was its overreliance on American military hardware, which it believed would guarantee victory. However, without the proper strategy and coordination to maximise the potential of their jets, Pakistan’s air force struggled to make an impact. Ultimately, their air campaign failed to achieve its objectives, leaving Pakistan vulnerable to India’s subsequent counterattacks.
The Significance of the Gnat Planes
One of the most remarkable stories of the 1965 war was the performance of the Folland Gnat aircraft, which earned the nickname “Sabre Slayer” for its incredible success against the Pakistani Air Force. The Gnat, a small and agile fighter jet, became the unsung hero of the war. Despite its size and relatively simple design, the Gnat’s speed, manoeuvrability, and low radar profile made it a formidable opponent, especially when pitted against Pakistan’s heavier F-86 Sabre jets.
The Gnat planes were pivotal in several air engagements, most notably during the Battle of Chhamb. Indian pilots, trained to exploit the Gnat’s strengths, outmanoeuvred the Pakistani Sabres in close dogfights. The Gnat’s ability to quickly climb and its agility at low altitudes gave Indian pilots a distinct advantage. These jets became a symbol of Indian ingenuity, as their unexpected effectiveness took the Pakistani Air Force by surprise.
The success of the Gnat was not merely due to the aircraft itself but also to the skill of the pilots who flew them. Indian aviators demonstrated remarkable courage and precision, often facing superior numbers and firepower. By the end of the war, the Gnat had become a symbol of Indian resilience and adaptability, having helped to establish air superiority and contributed to India’s ultimate success.
The Legacy of Squadron Leader Trevor Keelor in the War
One of the most celebrated heroes of the 1965 war was Squadron Leader Trevor Keelor, whose remarkable skill and bravery exemplified the courage of the Indian Air Force. On 3rd September 1965, Keelor made history by shooting down a Pakistani F-86 Sabre in a dogfight, becoming the first Indian pilot to do so. Flying a Gnat, Keelor engaged the Sabre over the skies of Chamb, and his victory became a turning point in the air war.
Keelor’s victory was not just a tactical success but a symbolic one as well. The downing of the Sabre shattered the myth of Pakistan’s air superiority, emboldening Indian pilots and demonstrating that the F-86 could be beaten. Keelor’s leadership and composure under pressure became an inspiration for the entire Indian Air Force. His actions helped cement the Gnat’s reputation as the “Sabre Slayer” and paved the way for further successes in the air war.
Throughout the conflict, Keelor continued to lead by example, participating in numerous missions and ensuring that India maintained its advantage in the skies. His legacy, however, extends beyond his individual accomplishments; he became a symbol of India’s air dominance during the 1965 war and remains a revered figure in the history of the Indian Air Force.
Pakistan’s Eagerness for Ceasefire Declaration
As the war dragged on, Pakistan’s initial confidence began to wane. The military objectives that Pakistan had set for itself—primarily the capture of Kashmir—remained unachieved, and Indian forces had begun to make significant gains. The Battle of Sialkot, in particular, had left Pakistan’s armoured divisions severely weakened, while India’s air superiority prevented further Pakistani advances. Moreover, Indian forces had captured strategic territories in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, further weakening Pakistan’s bargaining position.
By mid-September, Pakistan’s leadership began to realise that prolonging the war would only lead to further losses. The Indian Army was advancing on multiple fronts, and Pakistan’s military was finding it increasingly difficult to hold its positions. At the same time, Pakistan faced growing international pressure to bring an end to the conflict. The United States and the Soviet Union, concerned about the broader geopolitical implications of the war, urged both sides to agree to a ceasefire.
It was in this context that Pakistan, despite its earlier bravado, became eager for a ceasefire. On 23rd September 1965, under the auspices of the United Nations, a ceasefire was declared, effectively ending the war. While both sides agreed to stop fighting, it was clear that India had emerged as the victor. Pakistan’s failure to achieve its objectives, combined with its mounting losses on the battlefield, left the country in a weakened position both militarily and diplomatically.
Role of Citizens During the War and How They Helped the Indian Army
The Indo-Pak War of 1965 was not fought by soldiers alone. The Indian people played a crucial role in supporting the war effort, demonstrating remarkable unity and patriotism during the conflict. Across the country, civilians contributed in various ways, providing logistical support, raising funds, and boosting the morale of the armed forces.
In cities and towns, voluntary blood donation drives were organised to support the wounded soldiers. Women’s groups and charitable organisations collected supplies such as blankets, food, and medical equipment for the troops. Citizens also made financial contributions, with many donating their savings to help fund the war effort. This outpouring of support gave the Indian Army the resources it needed to continue fighting on multiple fronts.
In border regions, particularly in Punjab and Rajasthan, civilians played an even more direct role in supporting the war effort. Villagers in these areas aided the Indian Army by providing intelligence on Pakistani troop movements, sharing critical information about terrain, and offering logistical support, including food and shelter for soldiers. Local farmers even sacrificed their crops to clear fields for airstrips, allowing the Indian Air Force to operate closer to the frontlines. Civilians along the borders were crucial in maintaining supply lines, often helping transport goods, medical supplies, and ammunition in the face of enemy shelling.
Moreover, Indian citizens rallied around the government’s war bonds initiative, purchasing war bonds to fund the military. Schools and colleges held patriotic events, raising awareness of the war and encouraging participation in the war effort. The media played a key role in maintaining morale, with radio broadcasts and newspapers reporting on the heroism of Indian soldiers and the successes of the military. This nationwide solidarity strengthened India’s resolve and boosted the confidence of its armed forces. The collective spirit of the Indian people during the 1965 war remains a proud chapter in the country’s history.
Conclusion
The Indo-Pak War of 1965 is often remembered as a hard-fought conflict, but it was clearly a victory for India. The war exposed the flaws in Pakistan’s strategy and its reliance on external military support while showcasing India’s growing military prowess and strategic acumen. Indian forces successfully repelled Pakistan’s attempts to seize Kashmir and made significant territorial gains in the process. The Indian Air Force’s dominance, the heroism of its soldiers, and the resilience of the civilian population were all key factors in India’s success.
Pakistan’s eagerness for a ceasefire towards the end of the conflict highlighted the country’s weakening position. While the official outcome may have been presented as a stalemate to the world, the reality on the ground was clear: India had emerged victorious, both on the battlefield and in the diplomatic arena. The legacy of the 1965 war lies not just in the military victories but in the unity and strength that India displayed in the face of adversity. For India, the war was a testament to its ability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, setting the stage for its growing prominence in global affairs in the decades to come.