Remembering the 1965 India-Pakistan War: Lessons That Still Guide Our Army
In Panchkula, Haryana, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, the Chief of Western Command, shared powerful insights on Saturday about the 1965 India-Pakistan war. He called it a game-changer in Indian military history and stressed how its lessons remain crucial today, especially for the younger generation.
Speaking at an event honoring the brave soldiers who fought in the 1965 conflict, Lt Gen Katiyar highlighted why we must never forget this chapter. "The 1965 war was a big deal for us," he said. "It’s essential that today’s youth learn from it. We picked up key strategies, like syncing the Army and Air Force efforts, and planning smart defenses and attacks."
He described the 1965 India-Pakistan war as a shining moment for the Indian Army and Western Command. To drive the point home, he linked it to the recent Operation Sindoor in 2025. "It’s been 60 years since our victory in 1965, and right in the 60th year, we faced another clash with Pakistan through Operation Sindoor. For us, 1965 stands as a glorious chapter in Indian Army history."
Lt Gen Katiyar took a trip down memory lane, explaining how Pakistan’s sneaky plans fell apart. Back then, Western Command covered a massive area from Leh in Ladakh to Rajasthan. The action kicked off in Kutch, where Pakistan tried grabbing disputed spots. "We crushed their designs and pushed back the Pakistani forces," he recalled.
Things heated up in May 1965 when Pakistan’s troops sneaked onto peaks near Kargil—much like their failed attempt in 1999. "Our soldiers showed incredible courage and cleared every single Pakistani from those heights," the Army Commander said proudly.
The drama escalated in August 1965 with Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar. They sent in hordes of trained infiltrators, called Razakars, into Jammu and Kashmir. The goal? Stir up locals and seize the region. But the Indian Army, with help from Jammu and Kashmir’s people, turned the tables. "We caught most of them, drove them out, and took down a huge number," Lt Gen Katiyar explained.
By September, Pakistan aimed to cut off Jammu and Kashmir by capturing Akhnoor. Once again, India stopped them cold. In response, Indian forces went on the offensive. "Our 11th Corps pushed towards Lahore, while another corps targeted Sialkot," he noted.
Drawing a straight line to today, Lt Gen Katiyar pointed out Pakistan’s repeated tricks. "Just like in 1965, 60 years later in 2025, they tried to shake us up with a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. We hit back hard in Operation Sindoor, destroying their terror camps, posts, headquarters, and even air bases."
He made it clear: India never starts wars, but we always stand our ground. "In 1965, we didn’t want conflict, but when Pakistan provoked us, we fought back and beat them decisively. We did the exact same in 2025."
These stories from the 1965 war and beyond remind us of the Indian Army’s unbreakable spirit. Events like this keep the legacy alive, teaching new generations about courage, strategy, and unity in the face of threats.
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