This war started following Pakistan's infiltration
of forces into disputed Kashmir to precipitate an insurgency against
rule by India .
India retaliated by launching a full-scale military
attack .
The seventeen-day war ended with over 6,000 dead
between both sides and also witnessed the largest tank battle since
World War II.
The Pakistani Army had
both a numerical advantage in tanks, as well as better equipment
overall. Pakistani armour consisted mainly of American Patton tanks
. The bulk of India's tank fleet were older M4 Shermans .
Thankfully India also
fielded some Centurions . In actual combat the Centurion battle
tank, with its 105 mm gun and heavy armour, proved superior to the
overly complex Pattons and their exaggerated reputations proved
unfounded .
The hostilities between the two countries ended a
following diplomatic intervention by the Soviet Union and USA and the
subsequent issuance of the Tashkent Declaration .
Both India and Pakistan claimed victory. However, most neutral
assessments agree that India had the upper hand .
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