Knowledge Nugget: Operation Jackpot to Operation Sindoor – Major military ops for UPSC aspirants

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By Priya Sharma

Kam sabdo me kahein to, this article offers an insightful overview of crucial Indian military operations, spanning from the historic Operation Jackpot to internal security focused efforts like Operation Sindoori, essential for comprehensive UPSC civil services exam preparation.

Introduction: Why Military Operations Matter for UPSC

Understanding India's major military operations is not just a matter of historical curiosity; for UPSC Civil Services aspirants, it's a critical component of preparation, especially for General Studies papers covering post-independence history, international relations, and internal security. These operations reflect India's strategic imperatives, geopolitical challenges, and the valor of its armed forces. A thorough knowledge can provide valuable insights for both Prelims and Mains, particularly in essay writing and ethics papers where examples of national resilience and decision-making are often cited.

Decoding India's Strategic Prowess: Key Operations

India's post-independence journey has been marked by several military engagements, each with unique objectives and outcomes. Let's delve into some significant operations that every UPSC aspirant should be familiar with.

Operation Jackpot (1971): Aiding a Nation's Birth

Operation Jackpot stands as a monumental chapter in South Asian history, intrinsically linked to the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. This was not a singular Indian military operation in the conventional sense initially, but a series of commando operations launched by the Mukti Bahini, the Bengali guerrilla resistance movement, with significant training and logistical support from India. The primary objective was to disrupt Pakistani shipping and port facilities in the then East Pakistan, crippling their supply lines and economic activities. Indian intelligence agencies played a crucial role in orchestrating and supporting these efforts. Later, as the conflict escalated, the Indian military launched a full-scale offensive. For UPSC aspirants, understanding Operation Jackpot involves appreciating the geopolitical context of the Cold War, India's refugee crisis, the principles of humanitarian intervention, and its decisive role in the creation of Bangladesh. The success of these operations, culminating in the Indian military's swift victory, redrew the map of South Asia and established India's military capabilities on the world stage.

Operation Meghdoot (1984): The Siachen Sentinel

Launched on April 13, 1984, Operation Meghdoot was India's preemptive military action to secure control of the Siachen Glacier in the disputed Kashmir region. This high-altitude operation was initiated based on intelligence that Pakistan was planning to occupy the glacier. The Indian Army and Air Force airlifted troops to key passes and ridges, establishing strategic dominance in one of the world's most inhospitable battlefields. The significance for UPSC aspirants lies in understanding the strategic importance of Siachen (the "highest battlefield"), the challenges of high-altitude warfare, the unresolved territorial disputes with Pakistan, and the immense human and material cost of maintaining military presence there. It highlights India's resolve to protect its territorial integrity, even in extreme conditions. For more updates on defense and strategic affairs, aspirants can visit https://asarkari.com.

Operation Vijay (1999): Reclaiming Kargil's Heights

The Kargil War, codenamed Operation Vijay by the Indian Army, was fought between India and Pakistan from May to July 1999 in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. It began after Pakistani soldiers and Kashmiri militants infiltrated across the Line of Control (LoC) and occupied strategic heights overlooking Indian National Highway 1. The objective of Operation Vijay was to evict these intruders and recapture the Indian-administered territory. The conflict saw intense mountain warfare, with Indian forces displaying exceptional courage and resilience. For UPSC aspirants, studying Operation Vijay is crucial for understanding Indo-Pak relations, the sanctity of the LoC, the challenges of limited war, the role of air power (Operation Safed Sagar by IAF), and the diplomatic efforts that accompanied military action. The victory reinforced India's conventional military superiority and its commitment to upholding territorial sovereignty.

Operation Sindoori: Tackling Internal Security Challenges

While the aforementioned operations largely pertain to external threats or international scenarios, the Indian armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are also deeply engaged in combating internal security challenges. "Operation Sindoori" (or similar codenames often used for specific phases of anti-Naxal operations) refers to operations conducted in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas, particularly in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. The objective of such operations is to neutralize Maoist cadres, dismantle their infrastructure, and reclaim government control over affected regions, thereby creating a secure environment for development activities. UPSC aspirants must understand the multifaceted nature of LWE, the government's holistic strategy (security, development, rights), the challenges faced by security forces in jungle warfare, issues of human rights, and the socio-economic triggers of such insurgencies. Knowledge about these operations, like Operation Sindoori, provides context for internal security topics, a significant part of the UPSC syllabus.

Other Notable Operations: A Spectrum of Endeavors

Beyond these, India has conducted numerous other vital operations. Operation Blue Star (1984) aimed to remove militants from the Golden Temple. Operation Cactus (1988) saw Indian forces thwart a coup in the Maldives. Operation Parakram (2001-02) was a major military standoff along the Indo-Pak border. More recently, Operation Bandar (Balakot Airstrike, 2019) showcased India's proactive stance against cross-border terrorism, while operations like Operation Ganga (Ukraine evacuation, 2022) and Operation Dost (Turkey-Syria earthquake relief, 2023) have highlighted India's growing capabilities in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) on a global scale. Each operation offers unique lessons in strategy, execution, and diplomacy.

Strategic Implications and Learnings for Aspirants

Studying these military operations allows UPSC aspirants to grasp the evolution of India's defense policy, its strategic culture, and its responses to complex security dilemmas. Key takeaways include the importance of intelligence, inter-service cooperation, technological advancements in warfare, the role of leadership, and the ethical considerations in conflict. Understanding these aspects helps in formulating well-rounded answers in the Mains examination and adds depth to interview responses.

Conclusion: Integrating Knowledge for UPSC Success

A comprehensive understanding of India's major military operations, from historic conflicts like Operation Jackpot to ongoing internal security drives exemplified by operations like Sindoori, is indispensable for any serious UPSC aspirant. This knowledge not only enriches your understanding of India's past and present but also equips you to analyze future challenges and contribute effectively as a future policymaker or administrator. Continue to explore these topics in depth to gain a strategic edge in your preparation.

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