Instead, during the early months of 1971, the Pakistani army detained Sheikh Mujib and initiated a wave of terror upon the inhabitants of East Pakistan. In response, the populace launched an endeavor to liberate 'Bangladesh' from Pakistan's control. Throughout that year, India bore the responsibility of hosting around 8 million refugees who sought refuge from East Pakistan, burdening its neighboring regions. In a display of solidarity, India provided both moral and tangible assistance to the struggle for freedom in Bangladesh. Pakistan, however, accused India of orchestrating a scheme to disintegrate it.

What significant outcome resulted from the Indian army's progress in East Pakistan during the 1971 conflict?

Emergence of Bangladesh

Following months of escalating diplomatic tensions and military preparations, a full-fledged conflict erupted between India and Pakistan in December 1971. Pakistani aircraft launched attacks on Punjab and Rajasthan, while their army advanced on the Jammu and Kashmir front. In response, India executed a comprehensive counterattack, coordinating efforts across its air force, navy, and army on both the Western and Eastern fronts. Benefiting from local support, the Indian army achieved swift advancement in East Pakistan.

Remarkably, within a span of merely ten days, the Indian army encircled Dhaka from three directions, compelling the Pakistani army of approximately 90,000 troops to capitulate. With the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation, India declared a unilateral cessation of hostilities. Subsequently, the Shimla Agreement, formalized through negotiations between Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on 3 July 1972, solidified the restoration of tranquility.