India was forced into numerous wars post independence. Highlight the cause and impact of the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars on our bilateral relationships.

Causes of Indo-Pak wars:

1. 1965 war: It was due to Pakistan's claim on Kashmir, and advancement over western border after gaining confidence from Indo-China war of 1962.

2. 1971 war: India fought this war to liberate East Pakistan / Bangladesh, by supporting Mukti Bahini.

3. 1999 war: Known as Kargil war. It was a defensive battle fought by Army on LoC due to Pakistan's infiltration and claim over Indian posts like tiger hill, Lolding post etc.

More so, it was Pakistan's attempt to block Leh-Kargil-Srinagar highway to isolate Kashmir.

Causes of Indo-China war [1962]:

Multiple reasons like —

1. India's providing refuge to Dalai Lama - the Tibetan Guru.

2. China viewed it as interference in its domestic issue over Tibet

3. Also, China wanted to show its dominance over India under Mao Zedang

Impact of the wars on bilateral relationship:

India-Pakistan relations:

1. Created a sense of mistrust forever.

2. Pakistan's defeat made at focus on non-traditional warfare tactics like Terrorism, support to secessionist etc

3. Stalled cross-border trade

4. Pakistan's relations with China improved as India - a common adversaries

5. Generally The three wars made national security — a key to bilateral relations → Led to Nuclear race between Indo-Pakistan.

India - China relations:

1. Post-1962 war, the bilateral relation stalled till 1980s, until Rajiv Gandhi's visit to China.

2. Militarization of borders → High deployment and infrastructure push.

3. The issues of Aksai Chin in Ladakh, Tawang & Arunachal Pradesh remained major point of dispute.

4. Later on, it had impacted economic relationship, [EA] recent ban on Chinese apps.

As the remnants of 1962 war seen in short-term clashes and confrontation → Galwan, Doklam, Demchok etc as major points

Therefore, diplomatic efforts must be needed to create confidence-building among India & neighbour with major focus to prevent any full-scale war in future.

— Prajnanandan Giri · AIR 24