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Picture Courtesy: Indian Express

Context:

2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was a young Indian Army officer who showed extraordinary bravery during the 1971 India–Pakistan War. He fought in the Battle of Basantar, one of the most important battles on the Western Front. He was only 21 years old and had served in the Army for just six months.

Background of the 1971 War:

The 1971 war is mostly remembered for India’s decisive victory in East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh, but equally serious fighting took place on the Western Front. Pakistan believed that gains in the West could compensate for losses in the East and therefore launched major operations there. India had to stop these advances to protect its territory and important national routes.

Importance of the Shakargarh Bulge

The Battle of Basantar took place in the Shakargarh Bulge, an area between the Ravi and Chenab rivers. This region was strategically very important because capturing Pathankot could cut off Jammu and Kashmir from the rest of India. The land here is flat and open, which makes it easy for tanks to move and very difficult to defend.

Picture Courtesy: Indian Express

Beginning of the Battle of Basantar:

Indian forces launched an offensive in this area to surprise Pakistan and prevent them from advancing. Indian soldiers crossed the heavily mined Basantar River under intense enemy fire. They then resisted repeated Pakistani tank counter-attacks. After days of intense fighting, Indian troops captured large areas of territory and destroyed many Pakistani Patton tanks, stopping Pakistan’s plans in this sector.

• The Battle of Basantar involved major Indian formations such as the 54 Infantry Division, the 16 Independent Armoured Brigade, and supporting artillery units including the 75 Medium Regiment, which together formed the core combat strength in the sector.
• Indian armoured units equipped with Centurion and AMX-13 tanks engaged Pakistani Patton tanks in intense tank-versus-tank combat and knocked out more than sixty enemy tanks, turning the tide of the battle in India’s favour.
• The Indian Army employed well-coordinated tactics, including night movements, deception plans, rapid bridging across minefields, and close cooperation between air and ground forces, which prevented Pakistan from gaining operational advantage.
• The victory at Basantar strengthened India’s position during post-war diplomatic talks, giving New Delhi greater bargaining power at the Shimla Conference, where the conflict’s political outcomes were negotiated.
• By securing the Shakargarh Bulge and blocking further advances, the battle stopped Pakistan from launching a deep thrust toward Pathankot and prevented any threat to India’s land link with Jammu and Kashmir, thereby safeguarding a vital strategic corridor.

Arun Khetarpal and the Poona Horse Regiment

Arun Khetarpal was an officer of the Poona Horse regiment, a famous armoured regiment with a long history of bravery. When Pakistani tanks tried to break through Indian positions, he moved forward fearlessly to engage them. He destroyed several enemy tanks and continued to fight even when the situation became extremely dangerous. 

Significance of his actions:

His bravery played a decisive role in stopping the Pakistani armoured breakthrough. Because of his determined stand, the Indian Army held its position and continued its advance in the area. His courage inspired his fellow soldiers and contributed greatly to India’s success in the battle.

Legacy:

He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award, and remains the youngest officer ever to receive it. Military academies and institutions across India are named in his honour, and his preserved tank stands as a symbol of his sacrifice. He is remembered today as one of India’s greatest war heroes and as a symbol of courage, duty, and devotion to the nation. 

Conclusion:

The Battle of Basantar was a decisive engagement on the Western Front of the 1971 India–Pakistan War, where Indian forces successfully crossed heavily mined territory, repelled repeated Pakistani armoured counterattacks, and secured vital ground in the Shakargarh Bulge. The battle halted Pakistan’s plans to break through towards Pathankot and threaten India’s link to Jammu and Kashmir. It demonstrated superior planning, courage, and armour–infantry coordination by the Indian Army and produced legends like 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal, whose bravery became symbolic of the victory.

Source: Indian Express