The 1971 Indo-Pak war, which led to the birth of Bangladesh, was a major turning point in South Asian history. While India and Pakistan were the main belligerents, the international community also played a critical role. Among the global players, the role of the United States during the 1971 war has been widely debated and scrutinized.
The question remains: Did the US support Pakistan in the 1971 war? This article unpacks the political context, diplomatic actions, military assistance, and international responses to understand the nature and extent of US support for Pakistan during this conflict.
Historical Context: The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War
The war started as an internal conflict when East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) demanded autonomy and independence from West Pakistan (now Pakistan). The Pakistani military crackdown in East Pakistan, known as Operation Searchlight, began in March 1971, leading to mass atrocities and a humanitarian crisis.
Millions of refugees poured into India, and India officially intervened in December 1971, supporting the Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi freedom fighters) to fight Pakistan’s military.
US-Pakistan Relations Pre-1971: A Strong Alliance
Before the war, the United States and Pakistan had developed a close strategic relationship, especially during the Cold War.
Key reasons for US-Pakistan alliance:
- Pakistan’s role in containing Soviet influence in South Asia.
- Pakistan’s position as a member of SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization) and CENTO (Central Treaty Organization), both US-led anti-communist alliances.
- Pakistan’s facilitation of secret US-China diplomacy in 1971, including Henry Kissinger’s secret visit to China.
The US saw Pakistan as a vital ally in the region, whereas India leaned toward the Soviet Union, especially after signing the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in August 1971.
Did the US Officially Support Pakistan During the 1971 War?
The short answer is: Yes, but with significant complexities and limitations.
1. Political and Diplomatic Support
- The administration of President Richard Nixon and his National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger strongly favored Pakistan.
- The US sought to prevent India’s victory and the consequent Soviet influence expansion.
- The Nixon administration repeatedly vetoed UN Security Council resolutions condemning Pakistan’s military actions in East Pakistan.
- US diplomats downplayed reports of Pakistani military atrocities, labeling the conflict a “civil war” instead of recognizing the genocide.
2. Military Assistance
- The US continued to supply military aid and equipment to Pakistan even during the war.
- A controversial episode was the deployment of the USS Enterprise, a US aircraft carrier, to the Bay of Bengal in December 1971, which was widely seen as an attempt to intimidate India.
- However, US military assistance was limited due to Congressional restrictions and logistical challenges.
Reasons Behind US Support for Pakistan
Several strategic reasons motivated US support for Pakistan during the conflict:
- Cold War geopolitics: The US aimed to contain Soviet influence in South Asia. India’s close ties with the USSR made Pakistan a natural counterweight.
- Alliance with China: Pakistan acted as a key conduit between the US and China during secret diplomatic negotiations.
- Preservation of a friendly regime: The US wanted to support a pro-Western government in Pakistan.
Criticism and Controversy in the US and Globally
The US stance attracted severe criticism at home and abroad:
- Human rights groups and Congressmen condemned US support for Pakistan amid reports of mass killings.
- US journalist John Pilger and others exposed the atrocities, prompting public outcry.
- The deployment of the USS Enterprise was seen as an escalation and interference in regional affairs.
- India and the Soviet Union strongly criticized US bias toward Pakistan.
How Did India and the USSR Respond?
India, aware of the US-Pakistan alignment, signed the Indo-Soviet Treaty to secure Soviet support.
- The Soviet Union provided India with military equipment and diplomatic backing.
- During the war, the USSR vetoed several Security Council resolutions proposed by Western countries.
- India’s military victory was swift, leading to the creation of Bangladesh in December 1971.
Aftermath and Impact on US-Pakistan Relations
Despite the US support, Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat and lost East Pakistan.
- US-Pakistan relations remained strong but faced strains over Pakistan’s defeat.
- The war marked a shift in South Asian geopolitics and exposed limitations of US influence.
- The US eventually shifted focus toward improving ties with India in later decades.
Conclusion: A Complex Legacy
The US did support Pakistan during the 1971 war, primarily for geopolitical reasons related to the Cold War. This support included political backing, military aid, and diplomatic shielding at the UN. However, the support was not unconditional or overwhelming, as the complexities of the war and public criticism limited US actions.
This episode remains a significant chapter in US-South Asia relations, illustrating the interplay of ideology, diplomacy, and human tragedy in Cold War-era conflicts.