The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) is the paramount position in the Indian Army, established through the Commanders-In-Chief (Change in Designation) Act of 1955. The CoAS oversees the world’s largest army, advising the Prime Minister, President, and the Ministry of Defence.

The Indian Army, initially the British Indian Army, was founded on 1st April 1895. Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa became the first Indian Army Chief in 1949. Currently, the position is held by General Manoj Pande, who assumed office on 30th April 2022.

The CoAS’s tenure is either three years or until the age of 62, whichever is earlier. The role is supported by the Vice Chief of Army Staff, presently Lieutenant General M. V. Suchindra Kumar. The highest rank across all defense branches is the Chief of Defence Staff, with Lt. General Anil Chauhan currently holding the post.

CoAS Responsibilities and Roles

Indian Army, the world’s largest army, boasts of 12 lakh active and 9 lakh reserve troops. The Chief of Army Staff presides over this massive force and has pivotal responsibilities, including:

• Serving as the chief advisor to the Prime Minister, President, and the Ministry of Defence.
• Overseeing ground operations and defense strategies.
• Ensuring the security and safety of the nation’s borders.

First Army Chief of India

The Indian Army was established on 1st April 1895. Formerly termed as the British Indian Army until January 1949, its legacy is rich and significant. The pioneering Commander-in-Chief was General Sir Robert Lockhart, while Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa had the honor of being the first Indian Commander-in-Chief.

Current Chief of Army Staff CoAS

Current Indian Army Chief: General Manoj Pande from the Engineering Corps currently holds the esteemed position of Chief of Army Staff. Taking over the reins on 30th April 2022, he succeeded Gen. Manoj Mukund Naravane. General Pande’s illustrious career includes roles as Vice Chief of Army Staff, Commander-in-Chief of Andaman and Nicobar Command, and General Officer-Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command.

List of Chief of Army Staff (CoAS)

List of Indian Army Generals – Indian Army Chiefs
S.No.	Name	Rank	Tenure	Unit of Commission
1	General Sir Robert Lockhart	Commander-in-Chief	15 Aug 1947 to 31st Dec 1947	51 Sikhs Frontier Force
2	General Francis Robert Roy Bucher	Commander-in-Chief	21 June 1948 – 15 January 1949	Scottish Rifles
3	Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa	Commander-in-Chief	16 January 1949 – 14 January 1953	Rajput Rifles
4	General Maharaj Rajendrasinhji Jadeja	Commander-in-Chief	15 January 1953 – 1 April 1955	2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse)
5	General Maharaj Rajendrasinhji Jadeja	Chief of Army Staff	1 April 1955 – 14 May 1955	2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse)
6	General Satyawant Mallana Sringesh	Chief of Army Staff	15 May 1955 – 7 May 1957	19th Hyderabad Regiment
7	General Kodandera Subayya Thimayya	Chief of Army Staff	8 May 1957 – 7 May 1961	19th Hyderabad Regiment
8	General Pran Nath Thapar	Chief of Army Staff	8 May 1961 – 19 November 1962	1st Punjab Regiment
9	General Jayanto Nath Chaudhuri	Chief of Army Staff	20 November 1962 – 7 June 1966	7th Light Cavalry
10	General Paramasiva Prabhakar Kumaramangalam	Chief of Army Staff	8 June 1966 – 7 June 1969	Regiment of Artillery
11	Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw	Chief of Army Staff	8 June 1969 – 15 January 1973	12th Frontier Force Regiment
12	General Gopal Gurunath Bewoor	Chief of Army Staff	16 January 1973 – 31 May 1975	Dogra Regiment
13	General Tapishwar Narain Raina	Chief of Army Staff	1 June 1975 – 31 May 1978	Kumaon Regiment
14	General Om Prakash Malhotra	Chief of Army Staff	1 June 1978 – 31 May 1981	Regiment of Artillery
15	General Kotikalapudi Venkata Krishna Rao	Chief of Army Staff	1 June 1981 – 31 July 1983	Mahar Regiment
16	General Arun Kumar Shridhar Vaidya	Chief of Army Staff	1 August 1983 – 31 January 1986	9th Deccan Horse
17	General Krishnaswamy Sundarji	Chief of Army Staff	1 February 1986 – 31 May 1988	Mahar Regiment
18	General Ashwa Nath Sharma	Chief of Army Staff	1 June 1988 – 30 June 1990	16th Light Cavalry
19	General Sunith Francis Rodrigues	Chief of Army Staff	1 July 1990 – 30 June 1993	Regiment of Artillery
20	General Bipin Chandra Joshi	Chief of Army Staff	1 July 1993 – 19 November 1994	64th Cavalry
21	General Shankar Roy Chowdhary	Chief of Army Staff	20 November 1994 – 30 September 1997	20th Lancers
22	General Ved Prakash Malik	Chief of Army Staff	1 October 1997 – 30 September 2000	Sikh Light Infantry
23	General Sundarajan Padmanabhan	Chief of Army Staff	1 October 2000 – 31 December 2002	Regiment of Artillery
24	General Nirmal Chander Vij	Chief of Army Staff	1 January 2003 – 31 January 2005	Dogra Regiment
25	General Joginder Jaswant Singh	Chief of Army Staff	1 February 2005 – 30 September 2007	Maratha Light Infantry
26	General Deepak Kapoor	Chief of Army Staff	1 October 2007 – 31 March 2010	Regiment of Artillery
27	General Vijay Kumar Singh	Chief of Army Staff	1 April 2010 – 31 May 2012	Rajput Regiment
28	General Bikram Singh	Chief of Army Staff	1 June 2012 – 31 July 2014	Sikh Light Infantry
29	General Dalbir Singh Suhag	Chief of Army Staff	1 August 2014 – 31 December 2016	5 Gorkha Rifles
30	General Bipin Rawat	Chief of Army Staff	31 December 2016 – 31 December 2019	11 Gorkha Rifles
31	General Manoj Mukund Naravane	Chief of Army Staff	31 December 2019 – 30 April 2022	7 Sikh Light Infantry
32	General Manoj Pande	Chief of Army Staff	30 April 2022 – Present	Corps of Engineers

CoAS Tenure and Benefits

An Army Chief’s tenure lasts either for three years or until the age of 62, depending on which milestone is reached first. They’re rewarded with a handsome salary (set by the 7th pay commission) of Rs 2,50,000 alongside various other perks.

Vice Chief of Army Staff

The Vice Chief of Army Staff, currently held by Lieutenant General M. V. Suchindra Kumar (since 01 March 2023), serves as the Army’s secondary commander.

Chief of Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force

The highest position across all defense forces – Army, Navy, and Air Force – is the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). The inaugural CDS was General Bipin Rawat, who assumed office on 1st January 2020. Following his unfortunate demise in December 2021, Lt. General Anil Chauhan was appointed the next CDS in September 2022.

List of Wars Between India and Pakistan: An overview of the major conflicts, disputes, and military engagements that have taken place between the two countries. It will also discuss the ongoing tension and its implications for other nations. Additionally, the article will touch upon how these conflicts have been portrayed in popular culture, particularly in films. By the end of the article, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of the history and dynamics of the wars between India and Pakistan.

List of Wars Between India and Pakistan

The Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts have been ongoing since the Partition of British India in 1947. The dispute over Kashmir and cross-border terrorism have been major causes of conflict between India and Pakistan. This article provides an in-depth look at the various wars, skirmishes, and standoffs that have occurred between the two nations, as well as their international implications and portrayal in popular culture.

First Kashmir War

Background

The First Kashmir War, also known as the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948, was the first military conflict between India and Pakistan after the partition. The dispute over Kashmir, a region with a Muslim majority but ruled by a Hindu Maharaja, sparked tensions between the two countries. As a result, both India and Pakistan claimed the territory and sent their forces to establish control.

Causes and Trigger

The main cause of the First Kashmir War was the partition of British India and the subsequent issue of princely states choosing to join either India or Pakistan. The Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh, initially chose to remain independent, but under pressure from both India and Pakistan, he signed the Instrument of Accession with India. This triggered Pakistan to send their troops into Kashmir, leading to open conflict.

Key Battles

Several key battles took place during the First Kashmir War. In October 1947, Pakistani tribal militias invaded Kashmir, capturing several towns and causing a mass exodus of Hindu and Sikh refugees. The Indian army intervened and fought to regain control of the territory. The battles of Uri, Baramulla, and Jammu were significant in this war.

Resolution and Aftermath

The war ended in January 1949 with the United Nations-mediated ceasefire, establishing a Line of Control (LoC) that divided Kashmir into Indian-administered and Pakistani-administered territories. However, the issue of Kashmir remains unresolved, leading to subsequent conflicts and tensions between the two nations.

Second Kashmir War

Overview and Context

The Second Kashmir War, also known as the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, was another major military conflict between India and Pakistan. This war was primarily fought over the disputed region of Kashmir, with both countries seeking to gain control over the territory.

Major Incidents and Battles

The war saw several major incidents and battles, including the infiltration of Pakistani soldiers and militants into Indian-administered Kashmir. The Battle of Chawinda, fought in September 1965, was a significant engagement where Indian and Pakistani forces clashed, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.

International Involvement

The Second Kashmir War witnessed international involvement, most notably in the form of diplomatic efforts to broker peace and prevent further escalation. The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution urging a ceasefire, while the United States and other countries actively facilitated negotiations between India and Pakistan.

Outcome and Consequences

The war ended with a UN-mediated ceasefire in September 1965, with both sides claiming victory. The Line of Control was reaffirmed as the de facto border between Indian and Pakistani-controlled regions of Kashmir. The conflict further solidified the enmity between the two nations and led to the arms race in the region.

Indo-Pakistani War of 1971

Causes and Political Context

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was a major conflict between India and Pakistan, resulting in the creation of Bangladesh. The war was primarily driven by political and ethnic tensions in the former East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh).

Major Offensives and Battles

The war saw several major offensives and battles, with Indian forces launching a military intervention in East Pakistan in support of the Bengali nationalist movement. The Battle of Longewala, fought in the western sector, was a notable engagement where Indian forces successfully repelled a much larger Pakistani force.

Bangladesh Liberation War

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 culminated in the Bangladesh Liberation War, which led to the secession of East Pakistan and the establishment of an independent Bangladesh. This war witnessed widespread atrocities committed by the Pakistani military against the Bengali population, leading to a humanitarian crisis.

International Impact and Consequences

The war had significant international impact, with major powers like the United States and China aligning themselves with either India or Pakistan. India’s victory in the war changed the geopolitical dynamics of South Asia and encouraged the growth of Indian regional influence. The war also strained India’s relations with Pakistan for years to come.

Kargil War

Background and Causes

The Kargil War, fought between May and July 1999, was a conflict between India and Pakistan in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. The war was an escalation of tensions over the disputed region and involved Pakistani troops infiltrating into Indian territory.

Infiltration and Capturing of Positions

The conflict began with the infiltration of Pakistani soldiers and militants into Indian-administered Kargil, capturing key strategic positions along the Line of Control. The surprise attack took the Indian forces by surprise, who then launched a counteroffensive to regain control.

Military Operations and Strategies

The Kargil War witnessed intense military operations and strategies, including air strikes, artillery bombardments, and ground assaults. The Indian Army launched “Operation Vijay,” which aimed at evicting the Pakistani intruders and securing Indian territory. The battle of Tololing and the recapture of Tiger Hill were crucial moments in this war.

Ceasefire and Aftermath

The war came to an end with a ceasefire in July 1999, brokered by the international community. Despite the ceasefire, tensions between India and Pakistan persisted, and the Kargil War had a lasting impact on the bilateral relations between the two nations.

Cross-Border Skirmishes and Standoffs

2001-2002 India-Pakistan Standoff

In the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the Indian Parliament, India and Pakistan witnessed a military standoff that lasted from December 2001 to October 2002. Tensions escalated, with both countries mobilizing their troops and engaging in military exercises along the border. The standoff ended with diplomatic negotiations and efforts to de-escalate the situation.

2019 India-Pakistan Border Skirmishes

In February 2019, India and Pakistan once again experienced heightened tensions following a suicide bombing in Indian-administered Kashmir. Both countries engaged in cross-border skirmishes, resulting in casualties on both sides. International pressure and diplomatic efforts played a crucial role in the de-escalation of tensions.

Impact on Civilian Population

The cross-border skirmishes and standoffs have had a significant impact on the civilian population residing near the borders. Communities have been displaced, infrastructure damaged, and lives disrupted as a result of these clashes. The constant fear of hostilities has also taken a toll on the psychological well-being of the affected population.

Efforts and Initiatives for De-Escalation

Efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote peace between India and Pakistan have been made by various actors, including diplomatic negotiations, Track-II dialogues, and confidence-building measures. However, the underlying political and territorial disputes continue to hinder long-lasting peace in the region.

Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir

Root Causes and Initial Phase

The insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir has been a long-standing issue, rooted in political grievances, historical tensions, and aspirations for self-determination. The initial phase of the insurgency saw a rise in militant groups and separatist movements in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Separatist Movements and Militant Groups

The separatist movements in Jammu and Kashmir have sought greater autonomy or independence from India. These movements have been supported by various local political parties and have given rise to numerous militant groups, such as Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which aim to establish an Islamic state in the region.

Counterinsurgency Operations

The Indian government has implemented counterinsurgency operations to combat the militant groups and restore law and order in Jammu and Kashmir. These operations involve a combination of military force, intelligence operations, and socio-economic development initiatives to address the root causes of the insurgency.

Human Rights Concerns

The insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir has been marred by allegations of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture. Both Indian security forces and militant groups have been accused of committing such violations, leading to a humanitarian crisis in the region.

Siachen Conflict

Territorial Dispute and Military Occupation

The Siachen conflict, also known as the Siachen Glacier conflict, is centered around the dispute over the Siachen Glacier region in the Karakoram Range. India and Pakistan both claim sovereignty over the region, leading to a military occupation by both sides.

Harsh Conditions and Environmental Impact

The Siachen Glacier is one of the highest battlefields in the world, with extreme weather conditions and inhospitable terrain. The conflict has resulted in numerous casualties due to avalanches, extreme cold, and altitude sickness. The militarization of the region has also had a severe environmental impact, with the accumulation of military waste and pollution.

Attempts at Resolution

Efforts have been made to resolve the Siachen conflict and demilitarize the region. In 2003, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire and initiated talks on resolving the dispute. However, due to the complexities involved, the issue remains unresolved, and the military presence continues.

International Repercussions

The Siachen conflict has had international repercussions, with concerns over the escalation of tensions and the potential for a wider conflict between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan. The dispute has been a topic of discussion in various international forums, highlighting the need for a peaceful resolution.

Accusations of Supporting Insurgencies

Insurgency in Balochistan

India and Pakistan have accused each other of supporting insurgencies and destabilizing activities in their respective territories. Pakistan has alleged Indian involvement in the insurgency in Balochistan, a resource-rich province in Pakistan. India, on the other hand, denies these accusations and maintains that it supports the legitimate grievances of Baloch nationalists through diplomatic channels.

Afghanistan Conflict

Both India and Pakistan have been involved in the conflict in Afghanistan, with divergent interests and support for different factions. Pakistan has been accused of supporting militant groups like the Taliban, while India has provided economic assistance and developmental aid to the Afghan government. These competing interests have strained the relations between the two countries.

Proxy Warfare and Espionage Claims

Proxy warfare and espionage claims have further fueled tensions between India and Pakistan. Both countries have accused each other of carrying out covert operations and intelligence gathering activities across the border. These allegations have had a significant impact on bilateral relations and trust-building efforts.

Diplomatic Fallout

The accusations of supporting insurgencies and proxy warfare have led to diplomatic fallout between India and Pakistan. Relations have often been marred by trade restrictions, visa issues, the expulsion of diplomats, and the suspension of bilateral talks. The persistent mistrust and accusations hamper efforts to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.

Past Skirmishes and Standoffs

Operation Desert Hawk

Operation Desert Hawk was a large-scale military exercise conducted by the Indian Army in 1986 near the border with Pakistan. The exercise aimed to test the combat readiness and operational capabilities of the Indian forces. While the exercise was largely a show of strength, it escalated tensions between the two countries.

Operation Brasstacks

Operation Brasstacks was a military exercise conducted by the Indian Army in 1986-1987. The exercise involved a large deployment of troops and equipment near the western border with Pakistan. The operation raised concerns in Pakistan and contributed to the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan.

2008 Mumbai Attacks

The 2008 Mumbai attacks, perpetrated by the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, severely strained bilateral relations. The attacks, which targeted various locations in Mumbai, resulted in the loss of many innocent lives. India held Pakistan responsible for the attacks, leading to a breakdown in diplomatic relations and a halt in the peace process.

Impact on Bilateral Relations

The past skirmishes and standoffs, along with the major incidents mentioned above, have had a profound impact on the bilateral relations between India and Pakistan. These conflicts have further deepened the mistrust and animosity, making the road to peace and reconciliation more challenging.

International Implications

Nuclear Arms Race

The ongoing conflicts and tensions between India and Pakistan have sparked a nuclear arms race in the region. Both countries possess nuclear weapons, and the potential for a nuclear confrontation has raised serious concerns among the international community. Efforts to promote nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation remain critical for regional and global stability.

Global Diplomatic Efforts

Various global powers and international organizations have made diplomatic efforts to resolve the India-Pakistan conflicts. The United States, China, and other major powers have facilitated negotiations, offered mediation, and encouraged bilateral talks to reduce tensions and promote dialogue. The importance of international diplomacy in de-escalating conflicts cannot be overstated.

Role of United Nations

The United Nations has played a significant role in mediating and facilitating peace processes between India and Pakistan. The UN Security Council has passed resolutions urging ceasefire, respect for the Line of Control, and a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict. The UN’s involvement highlights the recognition of the international community regarding the importance of stability in the region.

Geostrategic Significance

The conflicts between India and Pakistan have far-reaching geostrategic implications. The region’s location, proximity to Afghanistan and the Middle East, and its access to major waterways make it geopolitically significant. The interests of major global powers are often intertwined with the stability and security of South Asia, further complicating the resolution of conflicts.

Depiction in Popular Culture

Films from India

The conflicts between India and Pakistan have been a recurring theme in Indian cinema. Numerous Bollywood movies have depicted the wars, border tensions, and the human stories behind them. Films like “Haqeeqat,” “Border,” and “Uri: The Surgical Strike” have garnered commercial success while portraying the bravery and sacrifices of Indian soldiers.

Films from Pakistan

Similarly, Pakistani cinema has produced movies that depict the conflicts and tensions between India and Pakistan. Films like “War” and “Waar” explore themes of espionage, military operations, and the impact of conflicts on individuals and societies. These movies have garnered critical acclaim and have played a role in shaping public opinion.

Portrayal of Historical Events

The depiction of historical events in films and other forms of popular culture plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions and understanding of conflicts. Both Indian and Pakistani movies have presented their interpretations of historical events, often reflecting the respective national narratives and highlighting their perspective on the conflicts.

Impact on Perceptions and Dialogue

The portrayal of conflicts in popular culture has the potential to influence public perceptions and reinforce stereotypes. It is essential to critically analyze these portrayals, recognize their limitations, and encourage dialogue and empathy. Artistic mediums can be powerful tools for promoting understanding and fostering peace between nations.

Conclusion

The conflicts between India and Pakistan have been marked by a long history of wars, skirmishes, and standoffs. The unresolved territorial disputes, cross-border terrorism, and competing national narratives have contributed to the persistent tensions between the two nations. It is crucial to recognize the human suffering caused by these conflicts and the urgent need for dialogue, diplomacy, and humanitarian efforts. Regional stability, global peace, and the well-being of the civilian population depend on the successful resolution of these conflicts.