The Simla Agreement signed by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on July 2, 1972, between the two largest South Asian states, India and Pakistan, resolved that both countries would put an end to the conflict and pursue a harmonious relationship. The agreement was a peace treaty signed after the end of the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.
As per the Simla Agreement, both the Governments further agreed that Indian and Pakistan armed forces will stay to their side of the international border. Here is an excerpt from the Simla Agreement:
“In Jammu and Kashmir, the line of control resulting from the cease-fire of December 17, 1971, shall be respected by both sides without prejudice to the recognised position of either side. Neither side shall seek to alter it unilaterally, irrespective of mutual differences and legal interpretations. Both sides further undertake to refrain from the threat or the use of force in violation of this Line.”
On February 21, 1999, the Lahore Declaration was signed by the Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The Lahore Declaration, in India’s view, was a determined opportunity for bilateral discussions about Kashmir but it quickly came to naught because of the Kargil war.
The Kargil War
The Kargil War stands as a turning point in the history of India-Pakistan relations. The infiltration of Pakistani troops into the Kargil-Dras sector of the disputed state of Jammu and Kashmir forced the two nuclear nations into what we know today as the Kargil Conflict. On May 3, 1999, instances of intrusions across the Line of Control (LOC) were detected. The unforgiving Himalayan terrain served as a brutal proving ground for both soldiers and machines. India’s armed forces were pushed to their limits, confronting challenges that seemed insurmountable.
Watch | On this day, 25 years ago, #OperationVijay was declared a resounding success.
— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) July 14, 2024
Our soldiers stood tall amidst the Kargil heights, their extraordinary bravery and heroism a source of immense national pride and honour. 🇮🇳 #25YearsofKargilVijay pic.twitter.com/Olt7zr81pW
In response, the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay on May 26, 1999, aiming to evict the intruders. The Indian Air Force initiated Operation Safed Sagar on May 27, providing crucial air support. Key battles included the capture of Tololing on June 13, a pivotal victory that boosted morale and momentum. The fierce fighting continued, with significant engagements at Tiger Hill and the recapture of Dras and Batalik. The MiG-21 and MiG-27 aircraft, along with the Mi-17 helicopters, played critical roles in these operations, providing air support and logistical supplies.
By mid-July, Indian forces had regained most of the occupied territory. The Kargil conflict officially ended on July 26, 1999, with India declaring victory. This day is now commemorated annually as Kargil Vijay Diwas to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces. The Kargil War not only underscored the importance of advanced technology and communication systems in modern warfare but also reinforced the resilience and adaptability of India's military, shaping the nation's defence strategies for the future.
Kargil Conflict and it's Lasting Impact on Indo-Pak Relations
Kargil War: A Look At The Challenges During A High-altitude Warfare
The Kargil War stands as a unique example of high-altitude warfare. The rugged terrain and severe weather conditions further exacerbated these challenges. The region's climate is severe, with cool summers and frigid nights. Winters are particularly brutal, with temperatures plummeting to as low as −48°C (−54°F).
These extreme conditions posed a constant threat to both personnel and equipment, affecting operational efficiency. The mountainous terrain, ranging from 1,800 to 5,500 meters (6,000 to 18,000 feet), made mobility and logistics extraordinarily challenging. The thin air at high altitudes also impacted the performance of both troops and technology.
Technological and Logistical Challenges
Reflecting on the warfare challenges, General V P Malik (Retd) highlighted the significant technological and logistical challenges faced by the Indian armed forces. Here is an excerpt from 'The Kargil War: Some Reflections' by Gen VP Malik. "We did not have unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that could fly at high altitudes to carry out aerial surveillance. Unattended ground sensors and local surveillance radars had not been inducted. Apart from patrolling, the only other viable means was visual winter aerial surveillance operations (WASO). This too was quite ineffective as there was no surveillance equipment onboard."
Intelligence and Surveillance Failure
One of the critical aspects of the Kargil conflict was the intelligence and surveillance failure. General Malik noted that India was "completely surprised about the intrusion at the political, strategic and tactical levels." This reflected a major deficiency in the system of collecting, reporting, collating, and assessing intelligence, as well as poor surveillance on the ground.
Prior to the Kargil conflict, India's intelligence agencies had produced assessments that painted a complex picture of Pakistan's intentions. In April 1998, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) concluded that Pakistan was unlikely to initiate a full-scale war with India due to economic constraints. This view was reinforced in September 1998 when R&AW reported severe financial difficulties within the Pakistani military.
However, by March 1999, the intelligence landscape had shifted. R&AW detected a substantial buildup of Pakistani troops and artillery in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). While the assessment maintained that a conventional war was financially impractical for Pakistan, it warned of a heightened risk of heavy artillery exchanges along the Line of Control (LoC) in the coming months.
The Intelligence Bureau (IB) primarily focused on militant activities in the region. In June 1998, it identified several jehadi camps in POK but did not anticipate a large-scale military incursion into Indian territory. Consequently, both intelligence agencies predicted increased tensions and potential escalation along the LoC, primarily in the form of cross-border firing and infiltration, rather than a full-scale war.
Modernising India's Military: Key Developments After the Kargil War
The Role of Technology in the Kargil War
The Kargil War highlighted the critical role of advanced technology and communication in modern warfare. The lack of high-altitude UAVs and effective ground surveillance equipment initially put the Indian forces at a disadvantage. However, India quickly adapted to the situation by leveraging available technology and seeking international assistance.
Nicolas Blarel, who is an associate professor of International Relations at Leiden University in the Netherlands and author of “The Evolution of India’s Israel Policy”, highlights how India, facing shortages of critical surveillance and military equipment, turned to Israel for support during the Kargil War.
Precision Strikes and Air Support
As the IAF struggled with limited visibility of Pakistani bunkers and faced challenges with inaccurate unguided missiles, coupled with strict orders not to cross the Line of Control (LoC), they needed a solution.
To address these issues, Blarel in his book noted that Air Chief Marshal Tipnis decided on May 30 to deploy Mirage 2000H fighters, which were equipped to deliver precision-guided munitions. Israel responded promptly, providing the necessary laser-guided missiles. “By June 1999, the upgraded Mirage 2000H’s precision strikes significantly diminished the strategic advantage of Pakistani forces positioned at high altitudes”.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for Surveillance and Reconnaissance
As highlighted earlier by Gen VP Malik on the lack of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and in addition to it, the limitations of India’s traditional photo-reconnaissance platforms due to “the shooting down of an IAF Canberra PR57 by a Chinese-made Anza infrared surface-to-air missile on May 21”, Blarel in his book highlighted that despite pressures from the US and the international community, Israel agreed to speed up shipments of arms orders that had been submitted before the Kargil developments, including the delivery of Israeli Heron and Searcher UAVs.
Israeli Heron and Searcher Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for high-altitude surveillance provided critical real-time surveillance, reconnaissance, and communication, “offering a less costly and more effective alternative for accurate imagery for ground troops and fighter jets.”
This allowed the Indian Army to gather vital intelligence on enemy positions, significantly enhancing their ability to monitor and track movements in challenging terrain. The integration of these advanced technologies into the Indian armed forces' operations played a decisive role in the eventual victory.
#RememberingKargil #OpSafedSagar Morning of 26 May 1999: IAF commenced air ops by attacking enemy positions & supply lines. First strike was launched at 0630hrs by MiG-21, MiG-27ML & MiG-23BN fighters. pic.twitter.com/CMPb2cYv8C
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 26, 2019
Ground and Air Coordination
The coordination between ground and air forces was critical in overcoming the challenges posed by the Kargil terrain. The role of advanced aircraft and helicopters was pivotal in providing air support and logistical supply to ground troops. The high altitude and rough terrain demanded aircraft capable of operating under extreme conditions.
The MiG-21 and MiG-27 aircraft also played crucial roles in providing air support and bombing enemy positions. Despite their older design, their adaptability and firepower were instrumental in the conflict. Mi-17 helicopters were extensively used for troop deployment, medical evacuation, and logistical supply. Their ability to operate in high-altitude areas made them indispensable in maintaining supply lines and evacuating casualties.
Artillery and Ground Support
Artillery played a critical role in the Kargil War, providing the necessary firepower to dislodge enemy positions entrenched in the mountainous terrain. The Bofors FH-77B howitzers, with their high accuracy and long-range capabilities, were crucial in neutralizing enemy bunkers and supply lines. Their ability to fire in mountainous regions with precision was a significant advantage for the Indian Army. Multi-barrel rocket launchers (MBRL) like the BM-21 Grad provided saturation fire, effectively targeting enemy concentrations and supply routes.
Image: ANI
Conclusion
The Kargil War underscored the importance of advanced technology and communication systems in modern warfare. The effective use of UAVs, precision-guided munitions, advanced aircraft, and secure communication systems played a decisive role in India's victory. The lessons learned from the Kargil War have continued to shape India's defence strategies and technological advancements, ensuring that the armed forces are better prepared for future conflicts.
As we commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, 2024, we honour the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought valiantly, and we acknowledge the critical role that technology and communication played in securing this historic victory. The Kargil War stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of India's military, highlighting the need for continual innovation and preparedness in the face of evolving threats.
The Kargil War in Popular Culture: An Overview
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