Read to know about the Indo-China war in 1962. The reasons behind why India lost war with China in 1962. Also know how many soldiers died in Indo-China war 1962, how much land India lost to China and the consequences and causes of Indo-China war in 1962.
The Indo-China war, also known as the Sino-Indian war, was a major border dispute and the main reason why Indo China war happened. The Indo China war of 1962 occurred between China and India. This wasn’t a suspected war but it happened when China attacked India on 20th October. The war spanned for about a month with a series of intermittent battles and ended up with China winning it. But, why India lost war with China in 1962? What were the consequences of Indo-China war in 1962? As you keep reading, everything is explained further including causes of Indo-China war in 1962. Also, there are many other queries such as how many soldiers died in Indo-China war 1962 and how much land India lost to China in 1962 war are explained below.
Indo-China War Of 1962
On 20 October 1962, the Sino-Indian war began with China starting a military attack in Ladakh along the McMohan line. The war ended with China calling a ceasefire one month later and India facing its defeat. There were several ongoing encounters and disputes between India and China since 1959, from Longju to Dhola Post.
The Causes Of Indo-China War In 1962 – Why Indo China War Happened?
The main reason why Indo China war happened was that China saw India as a threat to their claim over Tibet. This started after India had recently gained freedom and sought good relations with all its neighbouring countries including China.
In a series of events, China claimed Tibet as their territory, which was opposed by India at first but later was acknowledged when China deployed troops on the Aksai Chin border. Then, the reception of the Dalai Lama in India in 1959 was seen negatively by China and they held India responsible for Tibet’s Lhasa rebellion.
Soon after, India also raised its eyes when China showed a large part of India under their own territory on maps. All these conflicts became the causes of the Indo-China war in 1962.
Why India Lost War With China In 1962?
The reasons why India lost war with China in 1962 are as follows:
- India wasn’t expecting an attack from China in all seriousness, which is why Indo China war happened unanticipated. They were trying their best to maintain the cordial relationship between the two countries and it was never their intention to start a war out of the blue. Thus, the preparation was almost nil. Only two divisions of troops were deployed from India’s side against a Chinese troop of three regiments.
- The Chinese tinkered with India’s telephone lines, making it further impossible to contact the headquarters and seek more help.
- India didn’t have a well-defined military infrastructure which proved as another disadvantage in the war.
- The ill-prepared Indian army, 22,000 in number, could not go against a sudden attack of 80,000 Chinese troops.
- In the Indo-China war of 1962, India had no international help from the superpowers.
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Consequences Of Indo-China War In 1962
- China was successful in regaining its control over the Aksai Chin region in the Tibetan plateau, achieving its policy objective of securing borders in its western sector and the among the biggest consequences of Indo-China war in 1962.
- India abandoned the Forward Policy which led to the stable de-facto borders along the Line of Actual Control.
- Krishna Menon, the then Defence Minister of India, resigned under the blame of the Indian Army’s unpreparedness.
- Positive consequences of Indo-China war in 1962 included the military system undergoing a drastic change in order to be prepared for such conflicts in future.
- In December 1962, the Defence of India Act was passed by the Indian Government which allowed the arrest of anyone with a Chinese surname, Chinese blood or Chinese spouse.
- Numerous Chinese-Indians were deported from India.
How Many Soldiers Died In Indo-China War 1962?
As per Indian sources, 722 PLA soldiers of China were killed. From the Indian army, a total of 1,383 soldiers died and 1,696 went missing. Other than that, 1,047 soldiers were injured and 3,968 soldiers were captured by the Chinese army.
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How Much Land India Lost To China In 1962 War?
After the defeat of India in the Indo-China war of 1962, the entire Aksai Chin region was lost to China. The region which was about 15,000 square kilometres of the area was how much land India lost to China in 1962 war. China has kept it in its possession ever since then.
Conclusion
The Aksai Chin region is the eastern part of Kashmir and ever since the Indo-China war of 1962, it has been a matter of dispute with the neighbouring country, China. Although diplomatic relations aren’t ceased entirely with China, the war disturbed the peace between both countries.
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