Operation Gibraltar was one of Pakistan’s boldest yet disastrous military attempts. Launched in August 1965, it aimed to capture Jammu and Kashmir through infiltration. Pakistan sent armed troops disguised as locals into Indian-controlled Kashmir, hoping to start a rebellion against Indian rule. However, the plan failed completely and instead led to the 1965 India-Pakistan War, which changed the military and political situation in the region.
After India gained independence in 1947, the first war over Kashmir ended in 1948. Pakistan was unhappy with the outcome and continued to seek control of the region through both military and covert actions. By the early 1960s, Pakistan believed India was weak after the 1962 war with China. Pakistani leaders assumed that Kashmiri Muslims would rise against India if supported externally. This assumption became the basis for Operation Gibraltar.
The operation was planned under Pakistan’s then-President Ayub Khan and the Pakistan Army. It involved sending thousands of soldiers and irregular forces across the Line of Control (then called the Ceasefire Line). These forces were disguised as local insurgents and tasked with disrupting Indian administration, sabotaging infrastructure, and encouraging an armed uprising.
The infiltrators were organised into groups named after historical Islamic leaders like Salahuddin and Ghaznavi. They carried weapons, explosives, and propaganda, expecting the local population to support them. The operation relied heavily on the belief that the people of Kashmir would welcome the invaders and rise against India.
However, the plan failed almost immediately. The infiltrators did not get local support. Many Kashmiri Muslims informed Indian authorities about the intruders instead of joining them. India responded quickly, sending military forces to flush out the Pakistani troops. The operation also suffered from poor planning and intelligence mistakes. Pakistan misjudged India’s readiness to respond and overestimated its control over the situation. These errors left Pakistan vulnerable both militarily and diplomatically.
When India detected the infiltrators, tensions escalated rapidly. Indian forces launched counter-attacks and crossed the Line of Control to target Pakistani positions. This confrontation soon expanded into a full-scale war along the western front, including battles in Punjab, Kashmir, and Rajasthan. The war lasted from September 6 to September 23, 1965. Both India and Pakistan suffered heavy casualties and military losses.
The war ended with a United Nations-brokered ceasefire on September 23, 1965. Pakistan failed to achieve its goal of taking control of Kashmir, and India successfully defended its territories. In January 1966, the Tashkent Agreement, mediated by the Soviet Union, restored the pre-war borders but left the main issue of Kashmir unresolved.
The 1965 war had long-term consequences. Pakistan’s military reputation was damaged, while India’s position in Kashmir strengthened. The conflict also set the stage for future India-Pakistan wars and military confrontations.
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Even today, the shadow of Operation Gibraltar affects relations between the two countries. In April 2025, terrorists attacked civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 people. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor in May, targeting terror camps in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. These recent events show a pattern similar to the past: Pakistan uses infiltration and cross-border terrorism, while India responds with military action.
India’s current stance is much stronger compared to 1965. The country now has significant international support and better military capabilities. However, diplomatic talks with Pakistan remain stalled until cross-border terrorism stops. The legacy of Operation Gibraltar continues to influence strategy, military planning, and politics in the region, highlighting the risks of miscalculations and covert operations.
In summary, Operation Gibraltar was a bold but failed attempt by Pakistan to capture Kashmir. Its failure triggered the 1965 war, reshaped military balances, and left Pakistan diplomatically isolated. The events of 1965 still resonate today, as India continues to face challenges from cross-border terrorism while maintaining a stronger position in the region.
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