Скачать или смотреть Creation of Bangladesh (1971) - India’s Geopolitical Masterstroke

India’s Forgotten Geopolitical Masterstroke: The Creation of Bangladesh

In 1971, the Indian subcontinent witnessed a monumental upheaval that reshaped its political and social landscape. The struggle for independence in East Pakistan, which led to the creation of Bangladesh, was a critical episode in South Asian history. India's role in supporting this movement was pivotal and significantly altered its global narrative.

The Struggle Begins
The seeds of discontent in East Pakistan were sown long before 1971. The linguistic, cultural, and economic disparities between East and West Pakistan were stark. East Pakistanis, predominantly Bengali-speaking Muslims, felt marginalized by the Urdu-speaking political elite of West Pakistan. The tipping point came in 1970 when the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a decisive victory in Pakistan's general elections. The refusal of the West Pakistani leadership to transfer power ignited widespread unrest in the east.

India's Involvement
India's involvement in East Pakistan's struggle for independence was both strategic and humanitarian. As the Pakistani military launched Operation Searchlight in March 1971, aimed at suppressing the Bengali independence movement through brutal military action, millions of refugees poured into India, primarily into the states of West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura. The influx strained India's resources and heightened security concerns, compelling the Indian government to act.

Humanitarian Aid and Support
India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, extended robust support to the Bengali nationalist movement. Initially, this support was covert. India provided sanctuary to Bengali leaders and facilitated the training and arming of the Mukti Bahini, the guerrilla resistance force fighting for Bangladesh's independence. Indian intelligence agencies played a critical role in orchestrating guerrilla warfare against Pakistani forces.

Diplomatic Maneuvers
On the diplomatic front, India sought to galvanize international support for the Bengali cause. Indira Gandhi embarked on a global tour to highlight the humanitarian crisis and the atrocities committed by the Pakistani military. Despite initial reluctance from major powers like the United States, which was a close ally of Pakistan, India succeeded in garnering substantial support from the Soviet Union and several European nations.

The War and Victory
By December 1971, the situation had escalated into a full-blown conflict. On December 3, Pakistan launched preemptive airstrikes on Indian airbases, prompting India to declare war. The Indian military, in conjunction with the Mukti Bahini, launched a multi-pronged attack on East Pakistan. Within two weeks, the Pakistani forces, overwhelmed and demoralized, surrendered on December 16, 1971. Bangladesh was born.

Changing India's Narrative
India's decisive action in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War transformed its international standing. From a nation perceived primarily as a passive, non-aligned state focused on internal development, India emerged as a regional power capable of decisive military action and strategic foresight. The victory demonstrated India's ability to influence regional geopolitics and uphold humanitarian principles on the global stage.


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