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Editing 2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff
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{{Short description|Period of military and political tension between India and Pakistan (Dec 2001 | {{Short description|Period of military and political tension between India and Pakistan (Dec 2001 - June 2002)}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=April | {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}} | ||
{{Infobox military conflict | {{Infobox military conflict | ||
| conflict = 2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff<br />Indian Codename: '' Operation Parakram'' | | conflict = 2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff<br />Indian Codename: '' Operation Parakram'' | ||
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| map_label = | | map_label = | ||
| territory = | | territory = | ||
| result = [[Status quo ante bellum]] | | result = *[[Status quo ante bellum]] | ||
* [[Nuclear warfare|Nuclear war]] averted | **[[Nuclear warfare|Nuclear war]] averted | ||
| status = | | status = | ||
| combatants_header = | | combatants_header = | ||
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| combatant3 = | | combatant3 = | ||
| commander1 = {{flagicon image|Flag of India.svg|size=23px}} [[K. R. Narayanan]]<br />(<small>[[President of India]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of India.svg|size=23px}} [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]]<br />(<small>[[Prime Minister of India]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag COAS.svg|size=24px}} [[General|Gen.]] [[Sundararajan Padmanabhan|S. Padmanabhan]]<br />(<small>[[Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army|Chief of Army Staff]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Chief of Air Staff and Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force.svg|size=24px}} [[Air Chief Marshal|ACM]] [[Srinivasapuram Krishnaswamy|S. Krishnaswamy]]<br />(<small>[[Chief of Air Staff (India)|Chief of Air Staff]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image|Admiral-ensign-Indian-Navy.svg|size=24px}} [[Admiral|Adm.]] [[Madhvendra Singh]]<br />(<small>[[Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy|Chief of Naval Staff]]</small>) | | commander1 = {{flagicon image|Flag of India.svg|size=23px}} [[K. R. Narayanan]]<br />(<small>[[President of India]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of India.svg|size=23px}} [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]]<br />(<small>[[Prime Minister of India]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag COAS.svg|size=24px}} [[General|Gen.]] [[Sundararajan Padmanabhan|S. Padmanabhan]]<br />(<small>[[Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army|Chief of Army Staff]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Chief of Air Staff and Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force.svg|size=24px}} [[Air Chief Marshal|ACM]] [[Srinivasapuram Krishnaswamy|S. Krishnaswamy]]<br />(<small>[[Chief of Air Staff (India)|Chief of Air Staff]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image|Admiral-ensign-Indian-Navy.svg|size=24px}} [[Admiral|Adm.]] [[Madhvendra Singh]]<br />(<small>[[Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy|Chief of Naval Staff]]</small>) | ||
| commander2 = {{flagicon image|Flag of the President of Pakistan.svg|size=24px}} [[General|Gen.]] [[Pervez Musharraf]]<br />(<small>[[President of Pakistan]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.svg|size=24px}} [[General|Gen.]] [[Aziz Khan (general)|Aziz Khan]]<br />(<small>[[Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee|Chairman Joint Chiefs]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Chief of the Army Staff (Pakistan).svg|size=24px}} [[General officer|Gen.]] [[Yusaf Khan (general)|Yusaf Khan]]<br />(<small>[[ | | commander2 = {{flagicon image|Flag of the President of Pakistan.svg|size=24px}} [[General|Gen.]] [[Pervez Musharraf]]<br />(<small>[[President of Pakistan]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.svg|size=24px}} [[General|Gen.]] [[Aziz Khan (general)|Aziz Khan]]<br />(<small>[[Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee|Chairman Joint Chiefs]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Chief of the Army Staff (Pakistan).svg|size=24px}} [[General officer|Gen.]] [[Yusaf Khan (general)|Yusaf Khan]]<br />(<small>[[Chief of Army Staff (Pakistan)|Chief of Army Staff]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image|Air Force Ensign of Pakistan.svg|size=24px}} [[Air Chief Marshal|ACM]] [[Mushaf Ali Mir]]<br />(<small>[[Chief of Air Staff (Pakistan)|Chief of Air Staff]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image|Pakistan Navy Admiral.svg|size=24px}} [[Admiral|Adm.]] [[Abdul Aziz Mirza]]<br />(<small>[[Chief of Naval Staff (Pakistan)|Chief of Naval Staff]]</small>) | ||
| commander3 = | | commander3 = | ||
| units1 = | | units1 = | ||
| units2 = | | units2 = | ||
| units3 = | | units3 = | ||
| strength1 = 500,000–700,000 soldiers<ref name="gs">[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/kashmir-2002.htm Kashmir Crisis] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060711070348/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/kashmir-2002.htm |date=11 July | | strength1 = 500,000–700,000 soldiers<ref name="gs">[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/kashmir-2002.htm Kashmir Crisis] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060711070348/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/kashmir-2002.htm |date=11 July 2006}} [[GlobalSecurity.org]]</ref> | ||
| strength2 = 300,000–400,000 soldiers<ref name="gs" /> | | strength2 = 300,000–400,000 soldiers<ref name="gs" /> | ||
| casualties1 = 798 killed<ref name="798 soldiers" | | casualties1 = 798 killed<ref name="798 soldiers" />–1,874 killed or injured of which 100 killed and 250 injured in mine-related incidents during the conflict<ref name="1874 Casualties"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconindia.com/shownews/calculating-the-costs-of-indiapakistan-standoff-nid-19822-cid-3.html|title = Calculating the costs of India-Pakistan standoff}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Bhaskar|first=C. Uday|date=2016-09-20|title=No Nation Must Stumble Into War: Lessons from Op Parakram Post Uri|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/no-nation-must-stumble-into-war-lessons-operation-parakram-post-uri-attack-pakistan-soldiers-jawans-kashmir-modi|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303133904/https://www.thequint.com/news/india/no-nation-must-stumble-into-war-lessons-operation-parakram-post-uri-attack-pakistan-soldiers-jawans-kashmir-modi|archive-date=3 March 2020|access-date=2021-11-15|website=TheQuint|language=en}}</ref> (per Indian government)<br> | ||
900 casualties<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-03-04|title=India's national interests must not be subsumed by politically-motivated, competitive machismo masquerading as patriotism|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/lessons-from-a-crisis-pulwama-terror-attack-pakistan-india-5609328/|access-date=2021-11-16|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> (per [[Arun Prakash]])<br>1,295 civilians | 900 casualties<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-03-04|title=India's national interests must not be subsumed by politically-motivated, competitive machismo masquerading as patriotism|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/lessons-from-a-crisis-pulwama-terror-attack-pakistan-india-5609328/|access-date=2021-11-16|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> (per [[Arun Prakash]])<br>1,776 soldiers and 1,295 civilians killed during and after the conflict in mine-related incidents (per Satnam Singh)<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Singh|first1=Satnam Jit|last2=Puangsuan|first2=Yeshua Moser|date=2015-03-19|title=It's time for India to join the Mine Ban Treaty|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/its-time-for-india-to-join-the-mine-ban-treaty/article7008157.ece|access-date=2021-11-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420230800/https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/its-time-for-india-to-join-the-mine-ban-treaty/article7008157.ece|archive-date=20 April 2019|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><br>1 [[IAI Searcher|IAI Searcher Mk.II]] shot down<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/42399|title = Spy plane an evidence of Indo-Israeli collaboration: PAF|date = 11 June 2002}}</ref> | ||
| casualties2 = | | casualties2 = 34 killed | ||
10 injured <ref name="Pak casualties 2021"/><br><ref name="Pak casualties 2021">{{cite journal|title=Media Coverage of Pak-India Standoff 2002: An Analysis|url=http://pu.edu.pk/images/journal/pols/pdf-files/20-v26_1_19.pdf|last1=Sajjad Malik|first1=Muhammad|last2=Iqbal Cheema|first2=Pervaiz|publisher=Journal of Political Studies, Vol. 26, Issue - 1, 2019|quote=The tension continued for a period of 10 months and it had impact on both nations. Reportedly India lost about 2,000 troops while Pakistan suffered less than three dozen deaths.|accessdate=29 December 2021}}</ref> | |||
| casualties3 = 155,000 Indians and 44,000 Pakistanis displaced <small>(per The News International)</small><ref name=dc/> | | casualties3 = 155,000 Indians and 44,000 Pakistanis displaced <small>(per The News International)</small><ref name=dc/> | ||
| notes = | | notes = | ||
| Line 47: | Line 48: | ||
The '''2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff''' was a military standoff between [[India]] and [[Pakistan]] that resulted in the massing of troops on both sides of the [[India–Pakistan border|border]] and along the [[Line of Control]] (LoC) in the region of [[Kashmir]]. This was the second major military standoff between India and Pakistan following the successful detonation of [[nuclear weapon|nuclear devices]] by both countries in 1998, the first being the [[Kargil War]] of 1999. | The '''2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff''' was a military standoff between [[India]] and [[Pakistan]] that resulted in the massing of troops on both sides of the [[India–Pakistan border|border]] and along the [[Line of Control]] (LoC) in the region of [[Kashmir]]. This was the second major military standoff between India and Pakistan following the successful detonation of [[nuclear weapon|nuclear devices]] by both countries in 1998, the first being the [[Kargil War]] of 1999. | ||
The military buildup was initiated by India responding to [[2001 Indian Parliament attack|a terrorist attack]] on the [[Parliament of India|Indian Parliament]] in [[New Delhi]] on 13 December 2001 (during which twelve people, including the five terrorists who attacked the building, were killed) and the [[Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly]] on [[2001 Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly attack|1 October 2001]]<ref name="Rajesh M. Basrur">{{cite book|title=Asymmetric Warfare in South Asia: The Causes and Consequences of the Kargil Conflict|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-76721-7|page=326|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-vifpWqV2WYC&pg=PA326|author=Rajesh M. Basrur|edition=1st|editor=Peter R. Lavoy|chapter=The lessons of Kargil as learned by India|date=14 December | The military buildup was initiated by India responding to [[2001 Indian Parliament attack|a terrorist attack]] on the [[Parliament of India|Indian Parliament]] in [[New Delhi]] on 13 December 2001 (during which twelve people, including the five terrorists who attacked the building, were killed) and the [[Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly]] on [[2001 Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly attack|1 October 2001]]<ref name="Rajesh M. Basrur">{{cite book|title=Asymmetric Warfare in South Asia: The Causes and Consequences of the Kargil Conflict|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-76721-7|page=326|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-vifpWqV2WYC&pg=PA326|author=Rajesh M. Basrur|edition=1st|editor=Peter R. Lavoy|chapter=The lessons of Kargil as learned by India|date=14 December 2009}}</ref> in which 38 people were killed.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=The brink of war|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/south_asia/2002/india_pakistan/timeline/2001.stm|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-16|website=BBC News}}</ref> India claimed that the attacks were carried out by two Pakistan-based terror groups fighting in [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Indian-administered Kashmir]]—[[Lashkar-e-Taiba]] and [[Jaish-e-Mohammad]], both of whom India has said are backed by Pakistan's [[Inter-Services Intelligence|ISI]]<ref name=letjemisi>[http://www.economist.com/printedition/displayStory.cfm?Story_ID=917228 "Who will strike first"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205030926/http://www.economist.com/printedition/displayStory.cfm?Story_ID=917228 |date=5 December 2008 }}, [[The Economist]], 20 December 2001.</ref>–a charge that Pakistan has denied.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kashmir Militant Extremists|url=http://www.cfr.org/kashmir/kashmir-militant-extremists/p9135|publisher=Council Foreign Relations|author=Jamal Afridi|date=9 July 2009|quote=Pakistan denies any ongoing collaboration between the ISI and militants, stressing a change of course after 11 September 2001.|accessdate=4 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302144145/http://www.cfr.org/kashmir/kashmir-militant-extremists/p9135|archive-date=2 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Perlez |first=Jane |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/world/asia/30pstan.html |title=Pakistan Denies Any Role in Mumbai Attacks |location=Mumbai (India);Pakistan |work=The New York Times |date=29 November 2008 |accessdate=31 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105185510/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/world/asia/30pstan.html |archive-date=5 January 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wsws.org/articles/2001/dec2001/ind-d20.shtml |title=Attack on Indian parliament heightens danger of Indo-Pakistan war |publisher=Wsws.org |date=20 December 2001 |accessdate=31 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215163045/http://wsws.org/articles/2001/dec2001/ind-d20.shtml |archive-date=15 December 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Farooq Abdullah]] the then chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir state urged India to launch a war against militant training camps across the border in Pakistan.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
In [[Western media]], coverage of the standoff focused on the possibility of a [[Nuclear warfare|nuclear war]] between the two countries and the implications of the potential conflict on the American-led "[[War on terror|Global War on Terrorism]]" in nearby [[Afghan Interim Administration|Afghanistan]]. Tensions de-escalated following international diplomatic mediation which resulted in the October 2002 withdrawal of Indian<ref name=toiwithdraw>[http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/articleshow?artid=25384627 "India to withdraw troops from Pak border"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031130174834/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/articleshow?artid=25384627 |date=30 November 2003 }}, [[The Times of India]], 16 October 2002.</ref> and Pakistani troops<ref name=bbcwithdraw>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/south_asia/2335599.stm "Pakistan to withdraw front-line troops"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714093545/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/south_asia/2335599.stm |date=14 July 2018 }}, [[BBC]], 17 October 2002.</ref> from the [[India–Pakistan border|international border]]. | In [[Western media]], coverage of the standoff focused on the possibility of a [[Nuclear warfare|nuclear war]] between the two countries and the implications of the potential conflict on the American-led "[[War on terror|Global War on Terrorism]]" in nearby [[Afghan Interim Administration|Afghanistan]]. Tensions de-escalated following international diplomatic mediation which resulted in the October 2002 withdrawal of Indian<ref name=toiwithdraw>[http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/articleshow?artid=25384627 "India to withdraw troops from Pak border"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031130174834/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/articleshow?artid=25384627 |date=30 November 2003 }}, [[The Times of India]], 16 October 2002.</ref> and Pakistani troops<ref name=bbcwithdraw>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/south_asia/2335599.stm "Pakistan to withdraw front-line troops"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714093545/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/south_asia/2335599.stm |date=14 July 2018 }}, [[BBC]], 17 October 2002.</ref> from the [[India–Pakistan border|international border]]. | ||
== Prelude == | == Prelude == | ||
| Line 75: | Line 72: | ||
=== Military confrontations === | === Military confrontations === | ||
In late December, both countries moved [[ballistic missile]]s closer to each other's border, and mortar and artillery fire was reported in Kashmir.<ref>[http://archives.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/south/12/25/india.pakistan.kashmir.missiles Pakistan, India 'move missiles' to border] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070106131408/http://archives.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/south/12/25/india.pakistan.kashmir.missiles/ |date=6 January 2007 }} [[CNN]], 26 December 2001.</ref> By January 2002, India had mobilized around | In late December, both countries moved [[ballistic missile]]s closer to each other's border, and mortar and artillery fire was reported in Kashmir.<ref>[http://archives.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/south/12/25/india.pakistan.kashmir.missiles Pakistan, India 'move missiles' to border] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070106131408/http://archives.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/south/12/25/india.pakistan.kashmir.missiles/ |date=6 January 2007 }} [[CNN]], 26 December 2001.</ref> By January 2002, India had mobilized around 5 [[lakh]] troops and three armored divisions on Pakistan's border, concentrated along the [[Line of Control]] in Kashmir. Pakistan responded similarly, deploying around 3 lakh troops to that region.<ref name="gs" /> The tensions were partially diffused after [[Pervez Musharraf|Musharraf]]'s speech on 12 January promising action on terror emanating from Pakistan.<ref name="IT_Twice"/> | ||
===Diplomacy=== | ===Diplomacy=== | ||
| Line 85: | Line 80: | ||
===Musharraf's speech=== | ===Musharraf's speech=== | ||
On 8 January 2002, [[Indian Home Minister]] [[L. K. Advani]] visited the US, where he was informed about the contents of the upcoming landmark speech by Musharraf.<ref name="IT_Twice"/> On 12 January 2002, [[President of Pakistan|President]] [[Pervez Musharraf]] gave a speech intended to reduce tensions with India. He for the first time condemned the attack on Parliament as a terrorist attack and compared it with the [[11 September attacks]].<ref name="nys"/> He declared in his speech that terrorism was unjustified in the name of Kashmir and Pakistan would combat extremism on its own soil. Pakistan would resolve Kashmir with dialogue and no organization will be allowed to carry out terrorism ''under the pretext of Kashmir''.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1756965.stm Musharraf declares war on extremism<!--Bot-generated title-->] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307170804/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1756965.stm|date=7 March | On 8 January 2002, [[Indian Home Minister]] [[L. K. Advani]] visited the US, where he was informed about the contents of the upcoming landmark speech by Musharraf.<ref name="IT_Twice"/> On 12 January 2002, [[President of Pakistan|President]] [[Pervez Musharraf]] gave a speech intended to reduce tensions with India. He for the first time condemned the attack on Parliament as a terrorist attack and compared it with the [[11 September attacks]].<ref name="nys"/> He declared in his speech that terrorism was unjustified in the name of Kashmir and Pakistan would combat extremism on its own soil. Pakistan would resolve Kashmir with dialogue and no organization will be allowed to carry out terrorism ''under the pretext of Kashmir''.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1756965.stm Musharraf declares war on extremism<!--Bot-generated title-->] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307170804/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1756965.stm|date=7 March 2008}}, [[BBC]], 12 January 2002.</ref> As demanded by India, he also announced plans for the regulation of [[madrasa]]s and banning the known terrorist groups that were operating out of Pakistan.<ref name="IT_Twice"/> He announced a formal ban on five jihadi organizations, that included Jaish-e-Muhammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba engaged in militancy in Kashmir.<ref name="nys"/> | ||
===Indian decision=== | ===Indian decision=== | ||
| Line 100: | Line 95: | ||
==June Offensive== | ==June Offensive== | ||
===Planning=== | ===Planning=== | ||
On 18 May, Vajpayee reviewed the preparedness with the [[Minister of Defence (India)|Defence Minister]] [[George Fernandes| | On 18 May, Vajpayee reviewed the preparedness with the [[Minister of Defence (India)|Defence Minister]] [[George Fernandes|Fernandez]], Director-General Military Operations and Military Intelligence Chief. The CCS met and favored taking military action against terrorists in Pakistan. A limited military action similar to the one planned in January was not considered viable as Pakistan had strengthened its forces on the LoC. Any action limited to Pakistan administered Kashmir would only have limited military gains. Indian military favored an offensive along the Indo-Pak border that will stretch the Pakistani troops and provide India access to Pakistan administered Kashmir.<ref name="IT_Twice"/> | ||
The Indian armed forces accordingly prepared the plan to target the war-waging capabilities of Pakistan and destroy the terrorist camps. The battle canvas planned for June was larger than the one planned in January. The Indian Air Force along with the 1 Strike Corps of India would initiate an attack in [[Shakargarh]] bulge to engage Pakistan's Army Reserve North (ARN) that was spread from [[Muzaffarabad]] to [[Lahore]]. This would engage Pakistan's key strike corp while Indian strike formations from [[Eastern Command (India)|Eastern Command]] would carry out the offensive at the Line of Control and capture the strategic positions used by the terrorists for infiltrations. The period considered was between 23 May and 10 June.<ref name="IT_Twice"/> | The Indian armed forces accordingly prepared the plan to target the war-waging capabilities of Pakistan and destroy the terrorist camps. The battle canvas planned for June was larger than the one planned in January. The Indian Air Force along with the 1 Strike Corps of India would initiate an attack in [[Shakargarh]] bulge to engage Pakistan's Army Reserve North (ARN) that was spread from [[Muzaffarabad]] to [[Lahore]]. This would engage Pakistan's key strike corp while Indian strike formations from [[Eastern Command (India)|Eastern Command]] would carry out the offensive at the Line of Control and capture the strategic positions used by the terrorists for infiltrations. The period considered was between 23 May and 10 June.<ref name="IT_Twice"/> | ||
| Line 107: | Line 102: | ||
During the end of May 2002, the Indian and Pakistani armed forces continued to be fully mobilized. The tenor of statements published in the [[Media of India|Indian press]] and intelligence information collected, pointed to an imminent invasion by India.<ref name="nys"/> An SOS sent to [[Israel]] by the Indian Defence Ministry for defense supplies during the month of June confirmed the intelligence.<ref name="IT_Twice"/> | During the end of May 2002, the Indian and Pakistani armed forces continued to be fully mobilized. The tenor of statements published in the [[Media of India|Indian press]] and intelligence information collected, pointed to an imminent invasion by India.<ref name="nys"/> An SOS sent to [[Israel]] by the Indian Defence Ministry for defense supplies during the month of June confirmed the intelligence.<ref name="IT_Twice"/> | ||
On 18 May, India expelled the Pakistani High Commissioner. That same day, thousands of villagers had to flee Pakistani artillery fire in Jammu.<ref>{{cite news |title=India expels Pakistan's ambassador |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/india-expels-pakistan-s-ambassador-1.325671 |accessdate=26 January 2020 |publisher=CBC News |date=18 May | On 18 May, India expelled the Pakistani High Commissioner. That same day, thousands of villagers had to flee Pakistani artillery fire in Jammu.<ref>{{cite news |title=India expels Pakistan's ambassador |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/india-expels-pakistan-s-ambassador-1.325671 |accessdate=26 January 2020 |publisher=CBC News |date=18 May 2002}}</ref> On 21 May, clashes killed six Pakistani soldiers and 1 Indian soldier, as well as civilians from both sides.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020522/main1.htm "Six more Pak soldiers killed"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205002353/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020522/main1.htm |date=5 February 2007 }}, [[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]], 21 May 2002.</ref> On 22 May, Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee announced to his troops to prepare for a "decisive battle".<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/may/22/kashmir.india "Indian PM calls for 'decisive battle' over Kashmir"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204021816/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/may/22/kashmir.india |date=4 February 2017 }}, ''[[The Guardian]]'', Wednesday 22 May 2002. Retrieved 7 February 2013.</ref> | ||
Between 25 and 28 May, Pakistan conducted 3 [[Chronology of Pakistan's rocket tests|missile tests]]. India reviewed its nuclear capability to strike back.<ref name="IT_Twice"/> On 7 June the [[ | Between 25 and 28 May, Pakistan conducted 3 [[Chronology of Pakistan's rocket tests|missile tests]]. India reviewed its nuclear capability to strike back.<ref name="IT_Twice"/> On 7 June the [[Pakistan Air Force]] shot down an Indian [[unmanned aerial vehicle]] near Lahore.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vayu-sena-aux.tripod.com/other-Parakram-IAF-UAV-Wreckage.html |title=IAF's Searcher-II Loss on June 07, 2002 |publisher=Vayu-sena-aux.tripod.com |accessdate=1 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123123614/http://vayu-sena-aux.tripod.com/other-Parakram-IAF-UAV-Wreckage.html |archive-date=23 January 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
=== Threat of nuclear war === | === Threat of nuclear war === | ||
As both India and Pakistan are armed with nuclear weapons, the possibility a [[conventional war]] could escalate into a [[Nuclear war|nuclear one]] was raised several times during the standoff. Various statements on this subject were made by Indian and Pakistani officials during the conflict, mainly concerning a [[no first use]] policy. Indian [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|External Affairs Minister]] [[Jaswant Singh]] said on 5 June that India would not use nuclear weapons first,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0WDQ/is_2002_June_3/ai_86623659 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205194211/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0WDQ/is_2002_June_3/ai_86623659 |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 December 2008 |title=India will not use nuclear weapons first: Singh |work=BNET |date=3 June 2002 |accessdate=20 March | As both India and Pakistan are armed with nuclear weapons, the possibility a [[conventional war]] could escalate into a [[Nuclear war|nuclear one]] was raised several times during the standoff. Various statements on this subject were made by Indian and Pakistani officials during the conflict, mainly concerning a [[no first use]] policy. Indian [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|External Affairs Minister]] [[Jaswant Singh]] said on 5 June that India would not use nuclear weapons first,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0WDQ/is_2002_June_3/ai_86623659 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205194211/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0WDQ/is_2002_June_3/ai_86623659 |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 December 2008 |title=India will not use nuclear weapons first: Singh |work=BNET |date=3 June 2002 |accessdate=20 March 2012}}</ref> while Musharraf said on 5 June he would not [[Nuclear doctrine of Pakistan|renounce]] Pakistan's right to use [[nuclear weapon]]s first.<ref>[http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2002/06/05/story29703.asp Irish Examiner – 2002/06/05: "Musharraf refuses to renounce first use of nuclear weapons"<!--Bot-generated title-->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929150119/http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2002/06/05/story29703.asp|date=29 September 2007}}, [[Irish Examiner]], 5 June 2002</ref> There was also concern that a 6 June 2002 [[asteroid]] explosion over Earth, known as the [[Eastern Mediterranean Event]], could have caused a nuclear conflict had it exploded over India or Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spacedaily.com/news/deepimpact-02s.html |title=Near-Earth Objects Pose Threat, General Says |publisher=Spacedaily.com |accessdate=1 March 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20021201192527/http://www.spacedaily.com/news/deepimpact-02s.html |archive-date=1 December 2002 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
===Diplomacy=== | ===Diplomacy=== | ||
| Line 128: | Line 123: | ||
On 29 July 2002 for the first time after the end of the Kargil war, India used air power to attack positions held by the Pakistani forces at Loonda Post on the Indian side of the Line of Control in the Machil sector. Eight IAF [[Mirage 2000]] H aircraft dropped precision-guided bombs weighing 1,000-pounds to destroy four bunkers that were occupied by Pakistan. The forward trenches prepared by Indian troops in earlier years were also occupied by the Pakistani forces and 155-millimetre [[Bofors howitzer]]s were used to hit them. According to Indian military intelligence officials, at least 28 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the fighting. The air assault was conducted in daylight and to demonstrate India's willingness to escalate the conflict in response to provocations.<ref>[https://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl1918/19180220.htm When Pakistan took Loonda Post] ''Frontline'' Volume 19 – Issue 18, 31 August – 13 September 2002</ref> | On 29 July 2002 for the first time after the end of the Kargil war, India used air power to attack positions held by the Pakistani forces at Loonda Post on the Indian side of the Line of Control in the Machil sector. Eight IAF [[Mirage 2000]] H aircraft dropped precision-guided bombs weighing 1,000-pounds to destroy four bunkers that were occupied by Pakistan. The forward trenches prepared by Indian troops in earlier years were also occupied by the Pakistani forces and 155-millimetre [[Bofors howitzer]]s were used to hit them. According to Indian military intelligence officials, at least 28 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the fighting. The air assault was conducted in daylight and to demonstrate India's willingness to escalate the conflict in response to provocations.<ref>[https://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl1918/19180220.htm When Pakistan took Loonda Post] ''Frontline'' Volume 19 – Issue 18, 31 August – 13 September 2002</ref> | ||
Pakistani army troops stationed near the post in the Kupwara sector's Kel area of the LoC had been shelling the Indian positions across the LoC. India suspected a troop build-up situation near the border post that was similar to Kargil. Indian army planned retaliation by sending troops to attack the Pakistani posts. The initial ground attack to retake the post failed, with the Indian army suffering 11 casualties.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Irish Times |title=Details of major clash in Kashmir were kept secret by India and Pakistan |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/details-of-major-clash-in-kashmir-were-kept-secret-by-india-and-pakistan-1.1093156 |accessdate=26 Aug 2002 |publisher=Irish Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Kargil-II Incident |url=http://vayu-sena.tripod.com/other-loonda-kargil-ii.html}}</ref> Later on, after deliberations with the then Army Chief, General [[Sundararajan Padmanabhan]], the plan was modified and instead of only a ground assault, the decision was made to first attack Pakistani positions using the IAF jets followed by a ground assault by the [[Special forces of India|Indian Special Forces]]. At 1:30 pm on 2 August, IAF's LGB capable Mirage 2000 H fighter aircraft loaded with laser-guided weapons bombed the Pakistani bunkers located in the Kel. The attack destroyed the bunkers with an unknown number of casualties.<ref name="IT_Twice" /><ref name="HuffStrike">{{cite news |title=EXCLUSIVE: In 2002, India's Fighter Jets Hit Pakistan In A Surgical Strike You've Never Been Told About |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/01/26/exclusive-in-2002-india-s-fighter-jets-hit-pakistan-in-a-surgi_a_21701344/ |accessdate=9 September 2018 |work=HuffPost |date=27 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909221838/https://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/01/26/exclusive-in-2002-india-s-fighter-jets-hit-pakistan-in-a-surgi_a_21701344/ |archive-date=9 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> | Pakistani army troops stationed near the post in the Kupwara sector's Kel area of the LoC had been shelling the Indian positions across the LoC. India suspected a troop build-up situation near the border post that was similar to Kargil. Indian army planned retaliation by sending troops to attack the Pakistani posts. The initial ground attack to retake the post failed, with the Indian army suffering 11 casualties.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Irish Times |title=Details of major clash in Kashmir were kept secret by India and Pakistan |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/details-of-major-clash-in-kashmir-were-kept-secret-by-india-and-pakistan-1.1093156 |accessdate=26 Aug 2002 |publisher=Irish Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Kargil-II Incident |url=http://vayu-sena.tripod.com/other-loonda-kargil-ii.html}}</ref> Later on, after deliberations with the then Army Chief, General [[Sundararajan Padmanabhan]], the plan was modified and instead of only a ground assault, the decision was made to first attack Pakistani positions using the IAF jets followed by a ground assault by the [[Special forces of India|Indian Special Forces]]. At 1:30 pm on 2 August, IAF's LGB capable Mirage 2000 H fighter aircraft loaded with laser-guided weapons bombed the Pakistani bunkers located in the Kel. The attack destroyed the bunkers with an unknown number of casualties. Pakistani troops then opened heavy artillery fire on the Indian posts.<ref name="IT_Twice" /><ref name="HuffStrike">{{cite news |title=EXCLUSIVE: In 2002, India's Fighter Jets Hit Pakistan In A Surgical Strike You've Never Been Told About |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/01/26/exclusive-in-2002-india-s-fighter-jets-hit-pakistan-in-a-surgi_a_21701344/ |accessdate=9 September 2018 |work=HuffPost |date=27 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909221838/https://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/01/26/exclusive-in-2002-india-s-fighter-jets-hit-pakistan-in-a-surgi_a_21701344/ |archive-date=9 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
==Easing of tension== | ==Easing of tension== | ||
| Line 134: | Line 129: | ||
== Casualties == | == Casualties == | ||
The Indian casualties were up to 1,874 | The standoff resulted in heavy casualties. The Indian casualties were up to 1,874 killed.<ref name="798 soldiers" /><ref name="1874 Casualties">[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-05-01/india/27277371_1_bullet-proof-jackets-jammu-and-kashmir-soldiers-face India suffered 1,874 casualties without fighting a war] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419044936/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-05-01/india/27277371_1_bullet-proof-jackets-jammu-and-kashmir-soldiers-face |date=19 April 2013 }}, THE TIMES OF INDIA.</ref> Around 100 of these fatalities were from mine laying operations. Artillery duels with Pakistan and other incidents make up the rest.<ref name="798 soldiers">{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-07-31/india/27204243_1_op-parakram-indian-soldiers-operation-parakram |title=Op Parakram claimed 798 soldiers |date=31 July 2003 |accessdate=20 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022092929/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-07-31/india/27204243_1_op-parakram-indian-soldiers-operation-parakram |archive-date=22 October 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
== Cost of standoff == | == Cost of standoff == | ||
The Indian cost for the buildup was [[United States dollar|$]]3 billion to [[United States dollar|$]]4 billion<ref>{{Cite web|title=What did | The Indian cost for the buildup was [[United States dollar|$]]3 billion to [[United States dollar|$]]4 billion<ref>{{Cite web|title=What did India’s military mobilisation after Parliament attack achieve?|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/12/13/what-did-indias-military-mobilisation-after-parliament-attack-achieve.html|access-date=2022-01-05|website=The Week|language=en}}</ref><ref name="Pak casualties 2021">{{cite journal|title=Media Coverage of Pak-India Standoff 2002: An Analysis|url=http://pu.edu.pk/images/journal/pols/pdf-files/20-v26_1_19.pdf|last1=Sajjad Malik|first1=Muhammad|last2=Iqbal Cheema|first2=Pervaiz|publisher=Journal of Political Studies, Vol. 26, Issue - 1, 2019|quote=The tension continued for a period of 10 months and it had impact on both nations. Reportedly India lost about 2,000 troops while Pakistan suffered less than three dozen deaths.|accessdate=29 December 2021}}</ref> while Pakistan's was [[United States dollar|$]]1.4 billion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/jan/16defence.htm |title=Parakram cost put at Rs 6,500 crore |work=Rediff.com India Limited |date=16 January 2003 |author=[[Aditi Phadnis]] |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030203133106/http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/jan/16defence.htm |archivedate=3 February 2003 |accessdate=20 March 2012}}</ref> The standoff led to a total of 155,000 Indians and 45,000 Pakistanis displaced, per Pakistani media estimates.<ref name=dc>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/amp/266623-the-cost-of-conflict-ii-beyond-the-direct-cost-of-war|title=The cost of conflict-II Beyond the direct cost of war|work=The News International|access-date=30 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230160547/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/amp/266623-the-cost-of-conflict-ii-beyond-the-direct-cost-of-war|archive-date=30 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
One of the reasons for the failure of Operation Parakram is described to be the slow mobilisation of 500,000 troops. It took nearly three weeks for India to completely move 500,000 troops, 3 armoured divisions, and other supporting units to the border. The delay allowed Pakistan to move its own 300,000 troops along with the supporting units to the border. Lacking strategic surprise, Indian military decided to withdraw its troops.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/01/is-the-indian-military-capable-of-executing-the-cold-start-doctrine/|title=Is the Indian Military Capable of Executing the Cold Start Doctrine?|last=Gady|first=Franz-Stefan|date=29 January 2019|work=The Diplomat}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FGdaDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA74|title=Pakistan's War Machine: An Encyclopedia of its Weapons,Military Security: Pakistan's War Machine: An Encyclopedia of its Weapons, Strategy and Military Security|date=13 May 2018|publisher=Saghir Iqbal|last=Iqbal|first=Saghir|page=74|isbn=9781986169424}}</ref> | One of the reasons for the failure of Operation Parakram is described to be the slow mobilisation of 500,000 troops. It took nearly three weeks for India to completely move 500,000 troops, 3 armoured divisions, and other supporting units to the border. The delay allowed Pakistan to move its own 300,000 troops along with the supporting units to the border. Lacking strategic surprise, Indian military decided to withdraw its troops.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/01/is-the-indian-military-capable-of-executing-the-cold-start-doctrine/|title=Is the Indian Military Capable of Executing the Cold Start Doctrine?|last=Gady|first=Franz-Stefan|date=29 January 2019|work=The Diplomat}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FGdaDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA74|title=Pakistan's War Machine: An Encyclopedia of its Weapons,Military Security: Pakistan's War Machine: An Encyclopedia of its Weapons, Strategy and Military Security|date=13 May 2018|publisher=Saghir Iqbal|last=Iqbal|first=Saghir|page=74|isbn=9781986169424}}</ref> | ||