India has been involved in several military operations to safeguard national security, counter terrorism, conduct humanitarian aid, and support global peace efforts. These operations, carried out by the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Special Forces, play a crucial role in defense strategy and geopolitics.
For MPSC and other competitive exams, understanding India’s key military operations is essential for the current affairs, defense, and international relations sections. This blog provides a detailed analysis of significant military operations, their objectives, execution, and impact.
1. Operation Kaveri (2023-2024) – Evacuation from Sudan
Objective:
To evacuate Indian citizens from Sudan due to the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Execution:
- Led by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy.
- Over 3,800 Indian nationals were safely evacuated.
- The operation used IAF’s C-130J aircraft and INS Sumedha to transport citizens to safer locations.
- Saudi Arabia provided logistical support in the evacuation process.
Impact:
- Showcased India's ability to conduct swift evacuation missions.
- Strengthened diplomatic ties with Sudan and West Asian nations.
2. Operation Dost (2023) – Earthquake Relief in Turkey and Syria
Objective:
To provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria (February 2023).
Execution:
- India sent NDRF teams, medical teams, and relief material.
- IAF’s C-17 Globemaster aircraft transported rescue teams and equipment.
- Over 50 tons of relief material and specialized rescue dogs were deployed.
Impact:
- Strengthened India’s global reputation in humanitarian assistance.
- Enhanced diplomatic ties with Turkey and Syria, despite past tensions.
3. Operation Samudra Setu-II (2021) – COVID-19 Relief Mission
Objective:
To transport liquid medical oxygen (LMO) and other COVID-19 medical supplies to India during the second wave of the pandemic.
Execution:
- Indian Navy ships (INS Kolkata, INS Talwar, INS Jalashwa, INS Airavat) transported oxygen from Kuwait, UAE, Singapore, Bahrain, and Qatar.
- More than 900 metric tons of LMO were delivered to India.
Impact:
- Highlighted India’s naval capabilities in humanitarian operations.
- Strengthened diplomatic relations with Gulf countries.
4. Operation Bandar (2019) – Balakot Air Strikes
Objective:
To eliminate terrorist training camps in Balakot, Pakistan, following the Pulwama terrorist attack on February 14, 2019.
Execution:
- Conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on February 26, 2019.
- Mirage 2000 fighter jets carried out precision airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) camps.
- Successfully destroyed key terrorist infrastructure.
Impact:
- Marked India’s first airstrike on Pakistani territory since the 1971 war.
- Increased tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to the February 27 aerial dogfight.
- Strengthened India's counterterrorism strategy.
5. Operation Ganga (2022) – Evacuation from Ukraine
Objective:
To evacuate Indian students and citizens stranded in Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine war.
Execution:
- IAF’s C-17 Globemaster aircraft conducted rescue missions.
- Over 22,000 Indian nationals were brought back to India.
- Neighboring countries like Romania, Hungary, and Poland assisted in evacuation efforts.
Impact:
- Demonstrated India's diplomatic and military coordination during crises.
- Strengthened India’s relations with European countries.
6. Operation Meghdoot (1984) – Securing Siachen Glacier
Objective:
To gain control over Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield, and counter Pakistan’s military presence in the region.
Execution:
- Launched on April 13, 1984 by the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.
- India occupied key strategic positions before Pakistan could reach them.
- Siachen remains under Indian control despite continuous conflicts.
Impact:
- Established India’s dominance in the region.
- Led to ongoing Indo-Pakistani skirmishes in Siachen.
7. Operation Pawan (1987-1990) – Indian Peacekeeping Force in Sri Lanka
Objective:
To disarm the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) and restore peace in Sri Lanka under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord (1987).
Execution:
- The Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) was deployed in Sri Lanka.
- IAF conducted aerial bombings, and the Indian Army fought LTTE militants.
- The operation led to heavy casualties, including over 1,200 Indian soldiers.
Impact:
- Exposed diplomatic and military challenges in peacekeeping.
- Contributed to the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi (1991) by LTTE.
8. Operation Vijay (1999) – Kargil War
Objective:
To evict Pakistani soldiers and militants who infiltrated Indian territory in Kargil, Jammu & Kashmir.
Execution:
- Conducted between May and July 1999.
- Indian Army launched full-scale attacks to regain lost territories.
- IAF conducted airstrikes under Operation Safed Sagar.
Impact:
- India won the Kargil War, recapturing lost territory.
- Strengthened India’s military preparedness.
9. Operation Parakram (2001-2002) – India-Pakistan Military Standoff
Objective:
To deploy Indian forces along the Indo-Pakistan border after the 2001 Indian Parliament attack.
Execution:
- India mobilized 500,000 troops along the Pakistan border.
- Nearly led to full-scale war between India and Pakistan.
Impact:
- Increased military pressure on Pakistan to curb terrorism.
- Highlighted India’s diplomatic efforts to avoid war.
10. Operation Trident & Operation Python (1971) – Indo-Pak War
Objective:
To destroy Pakistan’s naval capabilities during the 1971 war.
Execution:
- Operation Trident (December 4, 1971): Indian Navy attacked Karachi harbor, sinking Pakistani warships.
- Operation Python (December 8, 1971): Further bombarded Karachi port, causing heavy damages.
Impact:
- Crippled Pakistan’s Navy and secured India’s maritime dominance.
- Contributed to India’s victory and the creation of Bangladesh.
Conclusion
India has conducted numerous military operations for national security, peacekeeping, and humanitarian relief. These operations reflect India’s military strength, strategic planning, and diplomatic efforts.
For MPSC aspirants, understanding these missions is essential for defense, international relations, and current affairs sections of the exam.
Would you like a detailed analysis of any specific operation? Let me know in the comments! 🚀