India has conducted several important military operations over the years to protect its sovereignty, maintain regional stability, and combat terrorism. These operations demonstrate the strength, strategic planning, and professionalism of the Indian Armed Forces.
Moreover, many of these missions were carried out during wars or emergencies to defend the country and support friendly nations. From the 1965 Indo-Pak War to modern counter-terrorism operations, India’s military actions have played a crucial role in safeguarding national security.
1. Operation Ablaze and Operation Riddle
These operations were part of India’s response during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
Operation Ablaze was launched as a precautionary mobilization by India to prepare the armed forces along the border. However, when Pakistan violated the Line of Control, India initiated Operation Riddle.
This operation involved a strategic offensive toward Lahore and Kasur in Pakistan, aiming to counter Pakistan’s aggression and stabilize the situation along the border.
2. Operation Jackpot and Operation Cactus Lily
During the Bangladesh Liberation War, India supported the movement for Bangladesh’s independence.
Operation Jackpot provided logistical support, intelligence assistance, and training to the Bangladeshi freedom fighters. Furthermore, Operation Cactus Lily was a major air assault that enabled Indian forces to cross the Meghna River and advance toward Dhaka.
As a result, these operations contributed significantly to the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
3. Operation Meghdoot
In April 1984, India launched Operation Meghdoot to secure the strategic heights of the Siachen Glacier.
This operation allowed Indian troops to occupy important mountain passes before Pakistan could take control. Therefore, it gave India a crucial tactical advantage in the disputed Kashmir region.
Even today, the Siachen Glacier remains one of the highest battlefields in the world.
4. Operation Pawan and Operation Poomalai
These operations were conducted during India’s peacekeeping mission in Sri Lanka.
Operation Pawan took place between 1987 and 1990 and involved the deployment of the Indian Peace Keeping Force to restore peace and disarm the militant group LTTE.
In addition, Operation Poomalai was a humanitarian mission in which India carried out an airdrop of essential supplies to civilians in Jaffna who were affected by the conflict.
5. Operation Cactus
In 1988, India launched Operation Cactus to stop a military coup attempt in the Maldives.
Indian paratroopers were quickly deployed to the capital city of Malé. As a result, the coup attempt was successfully prevented, and the democratic government of Maldives was restored.
6. Operation Vijay
Operation Vijay was launched in 1999 during the Kargil War.
The objective of the mission was to reclaim Indian territory that had been occupied by Pakistani soldiers and militants in the Kargil region. Moreover, the operation involved coordinated efforts by the Indian Army, Air Force, and other military units.
Finally, India successfully regained control of the occupied areas.
7. Operation Safed Sagar
During the Kargil War, the Indian Air Force launched Operation Safed Sagar.
This operation involved air strikes against enemy positions in high-altitude areas along the Line of Control. Furthermore, the air campaign played a crucial role in weakening Pakistani forces and supporting ground operations by the Indian Army.
8. 2016 Surgical Strikes
In 2016, India carried out surgical strikes against terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control.
These operations were conducted after the Uri Attack. Therefore, Indian special forces targeted multiple terror bases in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
9. Operation Bandar
After the Pulwama Attack, India launched Operation Bandar.
During this mission, Indian fighter jets carried out airstrikes on a training camp of the Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot, Pakistan. As a result, the operation demonstrated India’s strong response to cross-border terrorism.
10. Operation Abhyaas
On May 7, 2025, India conducted nationwide mock drills under Operation Abhyaas.
These drills were organized across more than 240 districts to improve emergency preparedness and civil defence response. In addition, the program aimed to train citizens and authorities for handling disaster and wartime situations.
11. Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor is a recent military action conducted by the Indian Armed Forces.
According to reports, the operation targeted several terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Moreover, the strikes were aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure and preventing future attacks against India.