TheIndo-Pakistani War of 1971was a military confrontation betweenIndiaandPakistanthat occurred during theliberation warinEast Pakistanfrom 3 December 1971 to thefall of Dacca(Dhaka) on 16 December 1971. The war began withpreemptive aerial strikeson 11Indian air stations, which led to the commencement of hostilities with Pakistan and Indian entry into thewar of independencein East Pakistan on the side ofBengali nationalist forces. Lasting just 13 days, it is one of the shortest wars in history

Date3–16 December 1971 (13 days)Location

Eastern Front:

India–East Pakistan border

Bay of Bengal

Pasha enclaves

Western Front:

India–Pakistan border

Line of Control

Zero Point

Indian Ocean

Arabian Sea

ResultDecisive Indian victory.Eastern front:Surrender of East Pakistan military command.Western front:Unilateral Ceasefire.Territorialchanges

Eastern Front:

Independence of East Pakistan asBangladesh

Western Front:

Indian forces captured around 5,795 square miles (15,010km2) land in the West but returned it in the 1972Simla Agreementas a gesture of goodwill