During the First Indo—Pak War of 1947, many important battles were fought in Kashmir, which has become part of Indian military folklore. Amongst these, the Battles of Zojila hold pride of place. Our breakthrough at Zojila ensured the security of Ladakh which was gravely threatened by the hostiles at that time. During this period of armed conflict with Pakistan, some heroic battles were fought. In defensive operations, the garrisons of Skardu and Punch withstood long sieges against very heavy odds and a much larger enemy force. Their performance could do proud of any army. Of the offensive actions launched by the Indian forces, the breakthrough at Zojila would probably rank amongst the three most important battles of the J&K Operations. The author has covered the account of the battles with due authentication and interviews with people who were part of the operations.

During the First Indo-Pak War of 1947, many important battles were fought in Kashmir, which have become part of Indian military folklore. Amongst these, the Battles of Zojila hold pride of place. Our breakthrough at Zojila ensured the security of Ladakh which was gravely threatened by the hostiles at that time. During this period of armed conflict with Pakistan, some heroic battles were fought. In defensive operations, the garrisons of Skardu and Punch withstood long sieges against very heavy odds and a much larger enemy force. Their performance could do proud to any army. Of the offensive actions launched by the Indian forces, the breakthrough at Zojila would probably rank amongst the three most important battles of the J&K Operations. The author has covered the account of the battles with due authentication and interviews with people who were part of the operations.

If the Indian Air Force had not put our troops airlifted in the early hours of 27th October, 1947 from Delhi on the ground at Srinagar which was menacingly threatened by Pakistan forces, the history and map of India might well have been quite different. In those momentous hours the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, in a heroic joint operation, began to roll back the blatant aggression of Pakistani military and save Jammu & Kashmir from the marauders. Independent India’s first war started with no other means available to assist the beleaguered local forces; and Indian Army troops were moved by air under grave emergency conditions from Delhi to stem the enemy’s advance. From this point started the saga of the an almost forgotten war: the first and the longest war independent India was forced to fight, and where the fledgling air force, emaciated by partition, and preoccupied with relief and rescue operations following massive riots and demographic movements played a crucial role in India’s defence. Indian Air Force continued to play a vital role during that most incredible war; and this book chronicles the history of its role, where all the bits and pieces have been brought together by the painstaking persistence of the author to share the glorious record of the Indian Air Force. The men in blue, knowing the challenges of an aggressive military, the weather and terrain of high altitude, and the difficulties of supplying our troops, working closely with the army knew that it executed one of most brilliant military campaigns in its history under the most daunting circumstances — feats that it has continued to repeat ever since then. But time and again the air force moved troops into critical battles and provided extensive combat support in uncharted areas to turn the tide. Within the IAF; the deeds of pilots, engineers, technicians and other personnel during that war became legend and inspired succeeding generations. But little has been written or known in and outside the service about how our inheritance was shaped by so few. This volume tells the story for the first time, painstakingly put together from extensive research and interviews by the author.

The 1999 conflict between India and Pakistan near the town of Kargil in contested Kashmir was the first military clash between two nuclear-armed powers since the 1969 Sino-Soviet war. Kargil was a landmark event not because of its duration or casualties, but because it contained a very real risk of nuclear escalation. Until the Kargil conflict, academic and policy debates over nuclear deterrence and proliferation occurred largely on the theoretical level. This deep analysis of the conflict offers scholars and policymakers a rare account of how nuclear-armed states interact during military crisis. Written by analysts from India, Pakistan, and the United States, this unique book draws extensively on primary sources, including unprecedented access to Indian, Pakistani, and U.S. government officials and military officers who were actively involved in the conflict. This is the first rigorous and objective account of the causes, conduct, and consequences of the Kargil conflict.

Autobiographical reminiscences of an Indian Army officer.

Starting with a recollection of Indo-Pak relations since 1947 and Indian foreignpolicy towards Pakistan, the book includes a chapter on Kashmir Problem since itsbeginning to present day to clarify the historical background of the Kargil War.This is followed by a Chronological presentation of events in the Operation Vijaysince its beginning on May 6. Further contents of the book include chapters on 1965War, 1971 War, The Voice of Editors, Vox Populi, Views and Interviews (Letters tothe Editors), Life in Kargil, The two most important chapters in this work are TheOperation Vijay (the kargil war) and A Saga of Patriotism (the Martyrs of kargil).