Syllabus: GS 2/IR
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Operation Sindoor introduces a symbolic evolution in India’s military nomenclature, prioritizing emotional homage over traditional or mythological references like Riddle, Meghdoot, or Bandar. This shift underscores a narrative centered on human valor.
Key Military Operations
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Operation Riddle (1965 Indo-Pak Conflict)
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Launched on September 6, 1965, as a countermeasure to Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar and Grand Slam incursions into Jammu and Kashmir.
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Targeted Lahore and Kasur, weakening Pakistan’s military and leading to the Soviet-brokered Tashkent Agreement.
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Operation Ablaze (1965)
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Preventive mobilization in April 1965 amid tensions in the Rann of Kutch.
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Demonstrated India’s preparedness, setting the stage for subsequent confrontations.
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Operation Cactus Lily (1971 Bangladesh Liberation War)
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A strategic aerial and river-crossing maneuver (Meghna Heli Bridge) during December 1971, circumventing Pakistani defenses to advance toward Dhaka.
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Operations Trident & Python (1971)
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Naval offensives targeting Karachi (December 4–5, 1971), marking the Indo-Pacific’s first anti-ship missile use. Resulted in significant Pakistani losses, hastening Bangladesh’s independence.
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Operation Meghdoot (1984 Siachen Conflict)
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Preemptive deployment in April 1984 to secure Siachen Glacier heights using air support. Established India’s strategic dominance before Pakistan’s response.
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Operation Vijay (1999 Kargil War)
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Launched in May 1999 to retake Pakistani-occupied peaks in Kargil, culminating in India’s decisive victory.
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Operation Safed Sagar (1999)
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IAF’s airborne assaults in Kargil, marking post-1971 airpower use. Enabled recapture of strategic positions.
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2016 Surgical Strikes
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Covert cross-LoC strikes post-Uri attack, signaling India’s shift to preventive anti-terrorism measures.
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Operation Bandar (2019 Balakot Strikes)
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IAF’s aerial bombardment of a JeM camp in Balakot (February 2019), responding to the Pulwama attack. Triggered brief air clashes with Pakistan.
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