List of Military Operations of Indian Armed Forces
The Indian Armed Forces are a vital component of the country’s defense structure, responsible for protecting its borders and maintaining national sovereignty. Consisting of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, these branches work in tandem to ensure the security and territorial integrity of the nation. Operating under the supreme command of the President of India, the Armed Forces function under the Ministry of Defence to ensure cohesive leadership and coordination.
The strength of the Indian Armed Forces, with over 1.4 million active personnel, makes it the world’s second-largest military force, distinguished by having the largest volunteer army globally. The Armed Forces play a crucial role in various major military operations, demonstrating the commitment to national security and defense. Under the oversight of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Government of India, the Armed Forces remain actively engaged, with an estimated total force of 1,325,000 personnel, maintaining their status as one of the largest armed forces globally.
Below is the list of operations categorized into the armed forces of the country. All these operations are important from Defence exam point of view like AFCAT, CDS, UPSC CAPF, NDA, Indian Navy AA/SSR, Indian Coast Guard which are going to be held in the next few months.
Indian Army Operations
The Indian Army, known for its bravery, discipline, and unwavering commitment, has played a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s territorial integrity and maintaining internal security. With a rich history and a diverse range of operations, the Indian Army has consistently risen to the occasion, showcasing its operational prowess and dedication to duty. This article explores some of the notable Indian Army operations that highlight their indomitable spirit and service to the nation.
- During First Kashmir War(1947)
- Operation Polo (1948) – Indian armed forces ended the rule of the Nizam of Hyderabad and led to the incorporation of the princely state of Hyderabad in Southern India, into the Indian Union.
- Operation Vijay (1961) – the operation by the Military of India that led to the capture of Goa, Daman and Diu and Anjidiv Islands from the Portuguese colonial holding in 1961.
- During Sino-Indian War (1962)
- During Second Kashmir War (1965)
- During Bangladesh Liberation War
- During Siachen conflict (1980)
- Operation Blue Star (1984)
- Operation Woodrose (1984)
- Operation Meghdoot (1984) — Indian military’s capture of the majority of Siachen Glacier.
- Operation Pawan (1987) – Operations by the Indian Peace Keeping Force to take control of Jaffna from the LTTE in late 1987 to enforce the disarmament of the LTTE as a part of the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord.
- Operation Viraat (1988) – It was an anti-insurgency operation launched by the IPKF against the LTTE in April 1988 in Northern Sri Lanka.
- Operation Trishul (1988) – Along with Operation Viraat, was an anti-insurgency operation launched by the IPKF against the LTTE in April 1988 in Northern Sri Lanka.
- Operation Checkmate (1988) – It was an anti-insurgency operation carried out by the IPKF against the LTTE in the Vadamarachi area of northern Sri Lanka in June 1988.
- Operation Cactus (1988) — Indian armed forces oust Tamil nationalist mercenaries of PLOTE who instigated a coup in Malé in the Maldives.
- Operation Vijay (1999) – name of the successful Indian operation to push back the infiltrators from the Kargil Sector, in the 1999 Kargil War.
- Operation Parakram (2001)
- Operation Black Tornado, and Operation Cyclone, (2008)
- Operation Goodwill- humanitarian tasks in J&K
- Operation Good Samaritan- humanitarian tasks in Manipur/Nagaland
- Operation Calm Down (2016) – Jammu and Kasmir
- Operation Sahyog (2018) – Kerela – Indian Army launched Operation Sahyog to rescue people in flood-hit Kerala. Indian Army has deployed its men and machinery into disaster relief and rescue operations at Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Idukki after incessant rain.
- Operation Randori Behak (2020) – Jammu and Kashmir
Check List of Latest Military Exercises of India
Indian Navy Operations
The Indian Navy plays a vital role in India’s defence infrastructure due to its impressive fleet and proficient personnel. With a strong maritime legacy and a dedication to upholding maritime security, the Indian Navy has executed several operations aimed at protecting national interests, providing humanitarian aid, and participating in global peacekeeping missions. This article showcases some noteworthy Indian Navy operations that exemplify their professionalism, operational prowess, and unwavering commitment to serving the nation.
- Operation Vijay (1961)
- Operation Trident (1971)
- Operation Python (1971)
- Operation Cactus (1988)
- During Operation Restore Hope (1992–2003)
- Operation Parakram (2001)
- During Operation Enduring Freedom (2001)
- During 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake (Operation Madath, Operation Sea Waves, Operation Castor, Operation Rainbow, Operation Gambhir & Operation Rahat-II)
- Operation Sukoon (2006)
- Operation Searchlight (2014)
- Operation Raahat (2015)
- Operation Nistar (2018) – Operation by the Indian Navy using INS Sunayna to evacuate Indian citizens from Yemen Island of Socotra who were stranded by Cyclone Mekenu.
- Operation Madad (2018) – Indian Navy had launched Operation Madad, major rescue, and relief operation in flood-hit Kerala. The operation was launched to assist state administration and undertake disaster relief operations due to flooding in many parts of Kerala.
Indian Air Force Operations
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the aerial arm of the Indian Armed Forces, renowned for its technical prowess, strategic reach, and commitment to safeguarding the nation’s airspace. Over the years, the IAF has undertaken numerous operations, showcasing its operational capabilities, precision strikes, and humanitarian efforts. This article explores some of the notable Indian Air Force operations that demonstrate their courage, professionalism, and dedication to protecting the nation.
- During First Kashmir War (1947)
- During Congo Crisis (1961)
- During Sino-Indian War (1962)
- During Second Kashmir War (1965)
- During Bangladesh Liberation War (1971)
- Meghna Heli Bridge (1971)
- Tangail Airdrop (1971)
- Operation Meghdoot (1984)
- Operation Poomalai (1987)
- Operation Cactus (1988)
- Operation Safed Sagar (1999)
- Atlantique Incident (1999)
- Operation Rahat (2013) in Uttarakhand Floods
- Operation Maitri (2015) Indian Military’s rescue and relief mission in quake-hit Nepal
- Operation Sankat Mochan (2016) – An operation of the Indian Air Force in view of 2016 Juba Clashes to evacuate Indian citizens and other foreign nationals from South Sudan during the South Sudanese Civil War.
- Operation Insaniyat (2017) – A humanitarian assistance aimed to supply relief packages to Bangladesh for migrant Rohingya Muslims.
- Operation Bandar (2019) An airstrike carried out by IAF in response to the Pulwama terror attack on 14 February 2019 by a suicide bomber, killing 40 Indian soldiers.
The Indian Armed Forces have a rich history of military operations, ranging from counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations to humanitarian and disaster relief missions. These operations underscore the dedication, bravery, and professionalism of the Indian soldiers. The Indian Armed Forces continue to evolve and adapt to emerging challenges, ensuring the nation’s security and playing a crucial role in maintaining regional stability.