1971 India-Pakistan War: A Lesson in Unified National Effort Beyond Military Might, Says Former Army Chief Gen VN Sharma

Former Army Chief General VN Sharma (retd) emphasized that the war of 1971 between India and Pakistan was not merely a military endeavor but a comprehensive national effort that seamlessly integrated politics, diplomacy, and various government services. He made these remarks while speaking at the launch of a new book titled ‘1971: Strategy, Campaign, and Valor’ at the India International Centre, New Delhi, on Sunday.

The book, authored by a young writer, chronicles the heroism of Indian soldiers during the 1971 war, a conflict that culminated in the creation of Bangladesh. It highlights pivotal battles and strategic moves that defined the war. The event saw the presence of esteemed guests, including Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari and former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, alongside numerous veterans who had served during the war.

General Sharma, who served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1988 to 1990, participated in the 1971 war as a colonel. Reflecting on the conflict, he underscored the remarkable leadership of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who orchestrated a coordinated effort involving not just the military, but also the civil services, police, transport, railways, navy, and merchant navy. “She did a great job,” he said, praising Gandhi’s ability to unify the nation’s resources under her command.

“In a war, it’s not only the military; the whole government, the civil services, police services, transport and railways, navy, merchant navy—they all get together under the order of the prime minister,” General Sharma remarked. He stressed, “One of the great lessons of 1971 is that it’s not just a military affair. It’s a total affair—it’s politics, diplomacy, and when you combine them, it’s a tremendous force.”

The 1971 war, which saw Indian forces fighting alongside the ‘Mukti Bahini’ in what was then East Pakistan, resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh in December of that year. The book launch comes at a time when Bangladesh has seen political upheaval, with the recent fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government following large-scale protests, leading to the establishment of an interim government.

The event also provided a platform for other distinguished veterans to share their memories and experiences from the war. Anil Baijal, who was a civil servant in Assam during 1971, recounted the massive influx of refugees from East Pakistan and the challenges faced by the state in managing the crisis.

Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retd), participating in a panel discussion, reminisced about his days at the National Defence Academy (NDA) during the war, noting that their Passing Out Parade (PoP) was scheduled for December 1971, coinciding with the height of the conflict. Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) praised the book’s young author, Satyajit Lall, for his efforts in rekindling interest in the 1971 war, particularly among the younger generation.

The discussions also delved into the crucial role of air power and the Indian Navy in achieving a decisive victory in the war. The 1971 conflict remains a landmark in Indian military history, celebrated as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ to mark 50 years of the triumph.