1965 India-Pakistan War: Lessons Still Shape India’s Defence Strategy Today
Sixty years on, the 1965 India-Pakistan war remains a key chapter in India’s history, influencing everything from defence strategies to military modernisation. Experts say its lessons continue to guide how India builds a stronger, future-ready armed forces.
To celebrate the anniversary, the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF) teamed up with the Valley of Words (VoW) in Dehradun for a full-day conference in Delhi on Tuesday. Titled "Commemorating the 1965 War: Reflecting Back and Planning Ahead," the event gathered veterans from the armed forces, active officers, diplomats, and scholars. They discussed the war’s key takeaways and why they matter for India’s security challenges today.
The 1965 war wasn’t just about battles—it tested India’s spirit during tough times with limited equipment and tech. Pakistan, feeling confident after India’s 1962 clash with China, kicked off ‘Operation Gibraltar’ in Kashmir and followed it with ‘Operation Grand Slam’ aimed at Akhnoor. But India turned the tables by expanding the fight across the Punjab border into areas like Lahore, Sialkot, and Barmer. This bold move stopped Pakistan’s attacks and swung the momentum towards New Delhi.
The fighting ended with a ceasefire on September 23, 1965, and the Tashkent Agreement in January 1966. However, it didn’t solve the political tensions, setting the stage for more India-Pakistan conflicts in the years ahead.
Kicking off the conference, Shishir Priyadarshi, President of CRF, shared how India’s victory in the 1965 war still inspires strategic thinking in defence circles. Sanjeev Chopra, President of VoW, pointed out that pushing the battle beyond Kashmir was a game-changer and played a big role in India’s success.
Lieutenant General PJS Pannu (retd) stressed the war’s big lessons on resilience, unity, and readiness. He said these remain vital as India deals with tricky border issues today.
In the closing speech, Lieutenant General Ata Hasnain (retd), former GOC of 15 Corps and a member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), wrapped things up powerfully. "History isn’t just for remembering—it’s for gearing up for what’s next," he said. He highlighted essentials like theaterisation, joint commands, and quick decision-making to win modern wars.
Everyone at the event agreed: the 1965 war revealed weaknesses but also sparked ideas for self-reliance and reforms in India’s defence planning. Discussions touched on how warfare has evolved since the 1960s. Now, battles go beyond land, air, and sea into cyber, space, and information realms. Tech like artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and precision weapons is changing military strategies everywhere.
Speakers praised the drive for homegrown research and private sector roles in defence. They pointed to successes like Operation Sindoor as proof that India can build a capable force on its own.
The clear takeaway from the conference? The 1965 India-Pakistan war stands as a symbol of bravery, sacrifice, and smart planning. It reminds us that protecting sovereignty demands ongoing vigilance, solid preparation, and smart investments in defence modernisation. As India faces new threats, these insights from history help shape a stronger tomorrow.
