As Trump Backs Pakistan, India Reminds World Of 1971 War Outcome
Indian Army has highlighted another incident in the run-up to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War in which Pakistan, then under military dictatorship, was supported by the US. Image courtesy: RNA
The Indian Army’s Eastern Command marked another moment from the 1971 India-Pakistan war on Wednesday, sharing newspaper clippings dated August 6, 1971, under the series “This Day That Year.” The post focused on the “Build Up of War” and showed how Pakistan was preparing for conflict with India ahead of its defeat and the creation of Bangladesh.
One of the featured clippings carried the headline “Burma-Pakistan Air Pact”, highlighting Pakistan’s military manoeuvring. Another, titled “Another Pak Diplomat Quits”, documented unrest and protest within East Pakistan, then on the verge of breaking away. India’s eventual military victory led to the surrender of about 93,000 Pakistani troops — the largest such surrender since World War II.
What has the Indian Army posted about the 1971 war?
The Eastern Command’s post on Wednesday revisited the tense weeks leading up to the 1971 conflict. Through archival newspaper clippings, it pointed to Pakistan’s defence agreements and internal political crises, providing context for the military build-up prior to the war.
A clipping referring to the “Burma-Pakistan Air Pact” underlined regional security concerns as Islamabad sought military deals to counter India’s influence. Meanwhile, unrest in East Pakistan was also documented, as seen in the headline “Another Pak Diplomat Quits”, which reflected growing cracks in Pakistan’s political establishment. These events culminated in a war that reshaped South Asia and led to Bangladesh’s independence.
How has India responded to recent US policy shifts?
The Army’s historical post comes against the backdrop of a diplomatic rift between India and the United States. A day earlier, the Army had posted another 1971 reminder, this time drawing attention to US support for Pakistan during that conflict. The timing appeared deliberate, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods and his offer to help Pakistan build “massive oil reserves”.
India, facing criticism from Washington and Brussels over its continued oil trade with Russia, has rejected the pressure. New Delhi labelled the remarks from the US and EU as “unjustified and unreasonable.” The diplomatic strain has intensified since the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which India answered with a targeted military action named Operation Sindoor.
Why is the US tilt toward Pakistan raising concerns in India?
Trump’s latest declarations have reinforced fears in New Delhi of a policy tilt in Washington. His promise of energy infrastructure aid to Pakistan and threats of trade penalties on India have drawn comparisons to the Nixon-era US stance during the 1971 war. At that time, the United States had backed Pakistan diplomatically and militarily, even as the Pakistani army conducted a brutal crackdown in East Pakistan.
