List of Military Operations of India, Name, Location, Year

A Military Operation refers to activities carried out in a planned and organized manner by a nation’s armed forces to achieve specific military objectives. The operations can range from large-scale conflicts to smaller, targeted interventions and can involve one or more types of forces and capabilities. Military operations are often planned and executed to achieve specific objectives, which may be tactical, operational, or strategic. Combat Military Operation aims to achieve specific tactical or strategic goals, such as defeating enemy forces or seizing territory, while a non-combat Military Operation focuses on tasks like humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, or peacekeeping. 

Military Operations in India

Since Independence India had to carry out a number of Military Operations in order to maintain Internal peace, guard territory, or provide disaster relief and humanitarian assistance. Below is a list of few successful and notable operations carried out by Indian Armed Forces

Operation Sindoor 2025

The most recent operation by by Indian Armed Forces, targeted against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir to avenge the shameful Pahalgam Terror Attack.

Operation Polo 1948

Conducted with the goal of integrating the State of Hyderabad into the Indian Union. Spearheaded by then Home and Defence Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. 

Operation Vijay 1961

Carried out to free Goa from Portuguese rule and integrate into mainland India. After the successful completion, Goa and Daman and Diu were annexed and integrated into India

Operation Cactus Lilly 1971

Conducted by Indian Air Force, Operation Cactus Lilly was a precursor to Bangladesh’s Liberation War which ended in formation of a new nation of Bangladesh

Operation Trident 1971

Operation Trident was one of the first naval assaults against Pakistan and was part of the Bangladesh Liberation War. The thumping victory In this operation is commemorated as Navy Day on 4th December every year.

Operation Meghdoot 1984

Carried out in one of the highest battlefields of the world, Operation Meghdoot was aimed at capturing Siachen Glacier in Kashmir region. The success of this operation gave India an upper hand forever.

Operation Blue Star 1084

To deal with growing chaos in Punjab over demands of separate nation of Khalistan, Operation Blue Star was carried out to eradicate sikh militants operating from Golden Temple of Amritsar

Operation Cactus 1988

India helped Maldives avert a coup against their second president M.A. Gayoom. It was a joint effort of all 3 – Army, Air Force and Navy and was a huge success. 

Operation Rajeev 1987

Aimed to capture a high point in Siachen Glacier from pakistan’s control. Indian Army successfully completed the operation and named the point as Bana Post to honour captain Bana Singh

Operation Pawan 1987

This successful operation was carried out by Indian Peace Keeping Forces to diffuse the tension caused by LTTE in Sri Lanka 

Operation Vijay 1999

Codename for 2 operations – Goa Liberation and integration in 1961 and the conflict between India and Pakistan in 1999, soon turned into a fierce Kargil War wherein our forces claimed the strategic positions back from Pakistan. 

Operation Talwar 1999

This was undertaken by the Indian Navy to support Operation Vijay 1999. Naval fleets strategically positioned themselves in the north Arabian Sea as part of this mission.

Operation Parakram 2001

This was undertaken following the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001. It was a Military Standoff between India and Pakistan along the border and is considered as biggest military drill in Asia

Operation Black Tornado 2008

THis was an NSG commando Mission during the 26/11 attacks on Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai. The main objective of this mission was to rescue the hostages. Ajmal Kasab was the terrorist who was caught alive in this operation . 

Military Operations by Indian Army 

Considered as one of the World’s largest army , The Indian Army has over the years conducted many successful operations individually and collaboratively with other forces or with other nation’s armies.  Here is a detailed list about various operations

Military Operations by Indian Navy

Indian Navy with its diverse fleet and personnel traces its roots to the 17th century and was renamed as Indian Navy in 1950. Indian Navy motto “Sham No Varunah” taken from Rig Veda and translates to “May God Varun, the God of ocean be auspicious unto us”. Here’s a list of various operations conducted by the Indian Navy. 

Military Operations by Indian Air Force

Known as the Guardians of Sky, the Indian Air Force has the motto “Nabha Sparsham Deeptam” translating to “Touch the Sky with Glory” . This is derived from Bhagavad Gita  and is inscribed below the eagle on IAF crest. Below is the list of successful operation over the years done by Indian Air Force