From 1947 war to Op Sindoor: The 4 wars & many conflicts that cemented India's military supremacy over Pakistan

The first war between India and Pakistan was fought over Jammu and Kashmir – previously a princely state which was left to accede to either India or Pakistan after partition (Image: AP Photo)

India and Pakistan may have arrived at an understanding over the recent confrontation following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, however, the long-standing strife between the neighbouring nations continues to cast a shadow over their relations.

The two countries have been locked in repeated conflicts since Independence from British rule in 1947 -- with the majority of clashes occurring over Kashmir.

Here’s a brief recap of the conflicts and tensions between the South Asian neighbours:

1947 Indo-Pakistani war

The first war between India and Pakistan was fought over Jammu and Kashmir – previously a princely state which was left to accede to either India or Pakistan after partition. It arose as armed Pakistani tribesmen tried invading Kashmir and the ruler of the region. Maharaja Hari Singh, sought India’s help in driving them out, which resulted in the signing of Instrument of Accession.

Indian forces, who were airlifted to Srinagar, pushed back the invaders, secured the Kashmir Valley and key areas like Leh and Ladakh, and prevented Pakistan from capturing more territory before a UN-brokered ceasefire froze positions in 1949 — leaving India in control of about two-thirds of the state. The UN created a boundary dividing the region, now known as the Line of Control (LoC).

Result: The Indian forces repelled Pakistan-backed tribal invaders after J&K legally acceded to the Union.

1965: Second India-Pakistan fight

A second war followed as Pakistan launched an invasion called as “Operation Gibraltar” intended to breach Kashmir to provoke internal dissent and erode India’s regional influence.

Thousands of soldiers were reportedly killed on both sides before the United Nations once again brokered a ceasefire, with no changes to the border of control and eventually leading to the signing of Tashkent Agreement.

Result: India thwarted Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar and pushed back across the international border.

Indo-Pakistani war of 1971

The third war between India and Pakistan broke out in the year 1971, triggered by an internal conflict in Pakistan that ultimately led to East Pakistan's independence and the formation of Bangladesh. It was rooted in the Bangladeshi independence movement.

The war concluded with the surrender of Pakistani forces in the east. It also featured notable Indian naval and air operations, including strikes on Karachi harbor by the Indian Navy.

Result: India decisively defeated Pakistan, leading to the liberation of Bangladesh.

Kargil War 1999

1999 Kargil war was one of the most bitter conflicts between the two nations when Pakistani soldiers and armed terrorists infiltrated into strategic positions on the Indian side of LoC. Following the intrusion, India launched Operation Vijay in order to reclaim the territories.

It was a brutal and costly battle, resulting in the reported loss of 527 Indian soldiers, though the exact number of Pakistani casualties is still disputed.

Result: India evicted Pakistani intruders from Indian territory after a brave high-altitude conflict.

Uri attack and surgical strikes in 2016

On September 18, 2016 four terrorists attacked Uri base camp, killing 19 Indian soldiers. The Indian Army retaliated by executing one of the most strategic and covert operations ever – a surgical strike against terrorist camps.

Result: India successfully attacked terror targets up to a kilometer in PoK, with every soldier returning safely.

2019 Pulwama attack and Balakot

The deadly 2019 Pulwama attack, which resulted in the deaths of 40 paramilitary personnel, marked yet another escalation in hostilities. In a significant retaliatory step, India launched airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed facility in Balakot—its first such air operation inside Pakistan since the 1971 war.

Result: India struck deep inside Pakistan to avenge the Pulwama terror attack, targeting JeM camps. It also downed a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet in a dogfight. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan, was returned to India - a move that helped defuse tensions.

2025 Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor

Triggered by the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, India responded with precision strikes under 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure.

According to reports, the operation eliminated nearly 100 terrorists, making it a notable military move. One of the key sites targeted was linked to the 26/11 Mumbai attack planners.