A DECISIVE INTERVENTION INDIA'S MILITARY ROLE IN THE BANGLADESH LIBERATION WAR

Abstract

The Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 was a defining moment in the history of South Asia, resulting in the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation. This article examines India's crucial role in the conflict, focusing on its multifaceted involvement encompassing diplomatic efforts, humanitarian assistance, and direct military intervention. Drawing upon a comprehensive literature review and historical research methodology, the article explores the complex factors that compelled India to intervene, including the massive influx of refugees, strategic concerns, and the desire to support the Bengali people's right to self-determination. The study highlights the decisive nature of India's military campaign, which, in collaboration with the Mukti Bahini resistance movement, swiftly neutralized Pakistani forces and secured Bangladesh's independence within a mere 13 days. Furthermore, the article delves into the international dimensions of the conflict, discussing the varied responses of major powers and the interplay between regional tensions and Cold War dynamics. The war's far-reaching consequences for South Asia are also examined, including the reshaping of regional alliances and the challenges to the two-nation theory. Ultimately, this article argues that India's intervention in the Bangladesh Liberation War was a pivotal event that not only transformed the political landscape of South Asia but also forged an enduring bond between India and Bangladesh rooted in their shared struggle for justice and self-determination.