Vijay Diwas: Role of Indian Navy in 1971 India-Pakistan War

The 1971 India-Pakistan War was a defining chapter in South Asian history, culminating in the creation of Bangladesh and marking the largest military surrender since World War II. While ground operations often receive the spotlight, the Indian Navy’s strategic and meticulously executed campaigns in the eastern theatre played a decisive role. Vijay Diwas, celebrated on December 16, commemorates this historic victory, underscoring the Indian Armed Forces’ unparalleled coordination, resilience, and tactical brilliance.

Origins of the Conflict

The conflict stemmed from deep-seated political and economic discrimination against East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) by West Pakistan’s ruling elite. Despite constituting the majority of Pakistan’s population, East Pakistan’s Bengali citizens were marginalised politically, economically, and culturally. Tensions peaked after the 1970 general elections when the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a landslide victory. West Pakistan’s military rulers refused to transfer power, triggering mass protests.

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The situation escalated with ‘Operation Searchlight’ on March 25, 1971, a brutal crackdown by the Pakistani military. The operation saw mass killings, widespread destruction, and large-scale atrocities, including sexual violence. Over 10 million refugees fled to India, causing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and compelling Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to seek international intervention. With the global community largely indifferent, India prepared for military action.

The Mukti Bahini and Covert Naval Operations

India’s first response was to support the Mukti Bahini, the Bengali resistance force composed of defectors from Pakistan’s military, police, students, and civilians. India provided training, intelligence, and logistical support, enabling the Mukti Bahini to execute effective guerrilla operations.

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One of the most remarkable contributions was Operation X, a covert naval mission targeting East Pakistan’s maritime supply routes. Indian Navy divers, in collaboration with Mukti Bahini operatives, conducted daring missions to sink or disable enemy vessels. Between August and December 1971, these missions incapacitated over 100,000 tonnes of enemy shipping, representing the largest maritime sabotage since World War II. This operation crippled East Pakistan’s war effort and demonstrated the strategic impact of well-executed covert naval actions.

Force Alpha: Striking Riverine Strongholds

Force Alpha, a joint operation involving the Indian Navy, BSF, and Mukti Bahini, launched high-risk missions targeting key riverine and industrial complexes in East Pakistan. Armed with gunboats and speedboats, Force Alpha conducted night raids on installations at Chalna, Khulna, and Mongla. These daring strikes disrupted vital supply lines, sank enemy vessels, and damaged crucial infrastructure such as fuel depots and communication hubs.

Force Alpha’s operations were marked by tactical brilliance and sheer audacity, often involving close-range engagements under heavy fire. Operating under the cover of darkness and using riverine routes known only to local operatives, the task force carried out a relentless campaign of attrition. Their precision strikes supported the Indian Army’s eastern advance, facilitating critical territorial gains. The courage displayed by Force Alpha personnel earned several gallantry awards, symbolising their contribution to India’s decisive victory.

Sinking PNS Ghazi: A Turning Point

One of the war’s most defining moments was the sinking of PNS Ghazi, Pakistan’s most advanced submarine, which was on a mission to destroy India’s flagship aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. Recognising the imminent threat, the Indian Navy executed a masterstroke of deception. False signals were sent, misleading Ghazi into believing Vikrant was anchored at Visakhapatnam.

On the night of December 3, 1971, PNS Ghazi ventured dangerously close to the Visakhapatnam coast. An explosion, believed to be triggered either by its own mines or depth charges from INS Rajput, led to its catastrophic sinking. This eliminated Pakistan’s only submarine capable of challenging India’s naval supremacy, securing maritime dominance for the rest of the conflict. The loss of Ghazi not only disrupted Pakistan’s operational strategy but also shattered its naval morale, ensuring the safe and unrestricted movement of Indian naval forces.

INS Vikrant and the Maritime Blockade

With the Ghazi eliminated, INS Vikrant, India’s first aircraft carrier, took centre stage. Operating in the Bay of Bengal, it launched relentless airstrikes on enemy ports, airfields, and military installations, including Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, and Khulna. Its Sea Hawk fighter-bombers conducted precision strikes that obliterated Pakistan’s operational capabilities, destroying docks, supply depots, and naval facilities.

The Vikrant’s most significant contribution was enforcing a naval blockade that sealed East Pakistan’s coastline. Its air cover and sea patrols effectively shut down all maritime routes, preventing troop reinforcements, disrupting supply lines, and thwarting escape attempts by sea. The blockade isolated East Pakistan, cutting off every possible line of support and hastening the collapse of the Pakistani military machine. This played a crucial role in forcing the eventual unconditional surrender on December 16, 1971.

Victory and Aftermath

The success of operations like Operation X, Force Alpha, and the deployment of INS Vikrant underscored the decisive role of maritime power. These naval campaigns complemented the Indian Army’s ground offensives and the Air Force’s precision strikes, paving the way for a swift and comprehensive victory.

On December 16, 1971, Pakistan’s surrender of over 93,000 troops marked the largest military capitulation since World War II and established Bangladesh as a sovereign nation. For India, this was not merely a military triumph but a humanitarian mission that liberated millions from oppression.

Legacy and Strategic Lessons

Vijay Diwas serves as a reminder of India’s military, diplomatic, and humanitarian commitment. The war highlighted the critical role of naval power in achieving strategic military goals, especially in a geopolitically significant region dependent on maritime trade.The conflict also showcased India’s ability to align military strategy with diplomatic objectives, navigating Cold War dynamics and securing global recognition for its actions.

Till the sudden regime change in Bangladesh, Delhi and Dhaka shared a robust partnership rooted in shared history and regional security cooperation. The lessons of 1971 continue to guide India’s strategic thinking, particularly as both nations navigate evolving maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.The 1971 war remains a testament to the bravery, ingenuity, and professionalism of the Indian Armed Forces. The Indian Navy’s role in liberating Bangladesh continues to inspire future generations, reinforcing India’s enduring commitment to freedom, justice, and sovereignty in an evolving global order.

Commander Rahul Verma (Retd) is an Emerging Technology and Prioritisation Scout for a leading Indian multinational corporation, focusing on advancing force modernisation through innovative technological applications and operational concepts. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.