List of Military Operations of Indian Armed Forces, Important for All Defence exams and SSB Interview

The Indian Armed Forces are one of the strongest forces in the world. The Operations conducted by any country show their ability to achieve the objectives defined, adaptability, strategic capabilities, and geopolitical influence of that country.  The Indian armed forces consist of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy. Known for their strength and resilience, Our Indian Armed Forces have completed various missions that made India what it is today. In this article, we are going to learn about all the important Operations conducted by the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force to Protect the Nation. Military Operations hold a great importance in the defence exams like NDA, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF, and others as well as in the SSB Interviews.

Military Operations of Indian Armed Forces

The Indian Armed Forces play an important role in safeguarding the nation’s borders and upholding its sovereignty. Comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force, these branches collaborate to ensure the country’s security and territorial integrity. They operate under the authority of the President of India and fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence, ensuring unified leadership and cooperation.

List Of Military Operations of Indian Armed Forces

With more than 1.4 million active members, the Indian Armed Forces rank as the world’s second-largest military, notably known for its status as the largest volunteer army worldwide. Engaged in numerous significant military endeavors, they exhibit a strong dedication to safeguarding national security and defense interests. Operating under the jurisdiction of the Government of India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Armed Forces actively participate in various operations, maintaining their position as one of the largest military forces globally, with an estimated total personnel count of around 1,325,000.

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.

1. During First Kashmir War(1947)
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. During Sino-Indian War (1962)
5. During Second Kashmir War (1965)
6. During Bangladesh Liberation War
7. During Siachen conflict (1980)
8. Operation Blue Star (1984)
9. Operation Woodrose (1984)
10. Operation Meghdoot (1984) — Indian military’s capture of the majority of Siachen Glacier.
11. 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.
12. Operation Viraat (1988) – It was an anti-insurgency operation launched by the IPKF against the LTTE in April 1988 in Northern Sri Lanka.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Operation Cactus (1988) — Indian armed forces oust Tamil nationalist mercenaries of PLOTE who instigated a coup in Malé in the Maldives.
16. Operation Vijay (1999) – name of the successful Indian operation to push back the infiltrators from the Kargil Sector, in the 1999 Kargil War.
17. Operation Parakram (2001)
18. Operation Black Tornado, and Operation Cyclone, (2008)
19. Operation Goodwill- humanitarian tasks in J&K
20. Operation Good Samaritan- humanitarian tasks in Manipur/Nagaland
21. Operation Calm Down (2016) – Jammu and Kasmir
22. 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.
23. 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.

1. Operation Vijay (1961)
2. Operation Trident (1971)
3. Operation Python (1971)
4. Operation Cactus (1988)
5. During Operation Restore Hope (1992–2003)
6. Operation Parakram (2001)
7. During Operation Enduring Freedom (2001)
8. During 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake (Operation Madath, Operation Sea Waves, Operation Castor, Operation Rainbow, Operation Gambhir & Operation Rahat-II)
9. Operation Sukoon (2006)
10. Operation Searchlight (2014)
11. Operation Raahat (2015)
12. 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.
13. 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.

1. During First Kashmir War (1947)
2. During Congo Crisis (1961)
3. During Sino-Indian War (1962)
4. During Second Kashmir War (1965)
5. During Bangladesh Liberation War (1971)
6. Meghna Heli Bridge (1971)
7. Tangail Airdrop (1971)
8. Operation Meghdoot (1984)
9. Operation Poomalai (1987)
10. Operation Cactus (1988)
11. Operation Safed Sagar (1999)
12. Atlantique Incident (1999)
13. Operation Rahat (2013) in Uttarakhand Floods
14. Operation Maitri (2015) Indian Military’s rescue and relief mission in quake-hit Nepal
15. 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.
16. Operation Insaniyat (2017) – A humanitarian assistance aimed to supply relief packages to Bangladesh for migrant Rohingya Muslims.
17. 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.