The Indian Army at War 1947-99

by Mandeep Singh, Raffaele Ruggeri (Illustrator)

Overview

This absorbing study describes and illustrates the Indian Army forces that fought in five wars during the second half of the 20th century.

The Indian Army is the world's largest volunteer army, with an enviable history and tradition of valour and gallantry. It was involved in warfare soon after India's independence and has fought five wars between 1947 and 1999, notably against Pakistan (1947–48, 1965, 1971 and 1999) but also against China (1962). Besides these, the Indian Army has been involved in smaller internal conflicts and counter-insurgency operations, some of which continue. The Indian Army has also carried out two military interventions overseas, namely in the Maldives (1988) and in Sri Lanka (1987–90).

The troops who fought in these operations, culminating in 1999's Kargil War against Pakistan, are described and illustrated in this book, written by an Indian Army veteran. The Indian Army's evolving uniforms, insignia and personal equipment are depicted in photographs, some previously unpublished, and eight plates of original colour artwork. The book is an important contribution to our understanding of the Indian Army's contribution to global military history since Independence in 1947.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781472868015
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	12/16/2025
Series:	Men-at-Arms , #566
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	7.24(w) x 9.76(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Colonel Mandeep Singh is an Indian Army veteran with over 37 years in uniform. A graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, he commanded his regiment during operations against Pakistan and later along the Line of Actual Control. Besides regimental service, he has held several important staff and instructional appointments. He has written seven books and has been awarded the Chair of Excellence twice by the United Service Institution of India.

Raffaele Ruggeri was born in Bologna where he still works and lives. After studying at the Fine Arts Academy, he worked in several areas of graphics and design before deciding to devote himself to illustration. He has long been interested in military history and has illustrated a number of books for Osprey including MAA 547, Roman Army Units in the Eastern Provinces (2) and CBT 55, Roman Legionary vs Gallic Warrior.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Indian Army in 1947

Opening Challenges

The First Kashmir War, 1947–48

Evolution, 1948–61

Operation Vijay, 1961

The Sino-Indian War, 1962

Evolution, 1962–65

The Second Kashmir War, 1965

Evolution, 1965–71

The Bangladesh War, 1971

Evolution, 1971–84

Operations in the 1980s

Evolution, 1990–99

The Kargil War, 1999

Conclusion

Select Bibliography

Plate Commentaries

Index