The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan have brought the spotlight back to the historical 1965 India-Pakistan War. A recent photo shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by the account @IndiaHistorypic showcases a significant moment from that conflict. The caption reads, “Indian Army advancing on the Ichogil Canal road in Pakistan, heading towards Lahore. India had also captured the Haji Pir Pass, but in a gesture of goodwill, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri decided to return the pass after Pakistan’s plea.”
The 1965 War: Pakistan on the Back Foot
The war of 1965 saw India making significant advances, especially by September when the Indian Army was on the verge of capturing Lahore, a major Pakistani city. However, following the intervention of the United Nations on September 23, both nations agreed to a ceasefire. This was followed by the Tashkent Agreement, which brought an official end to the war.
During the conflict, India had made remarkable territorial gains, but in the spirit of peace, India also decided to return the Haji Pir Pass to Pakistan, a move that was seen as a diplomatic gesture from the Indian side.
India and Pakistan's Military Strength Comparison
Comparing the military strengths of the two nations, India remains significantly more powerful. As of 2025-26, India's defense budget stands at around $79 billion, whereas Pakistan’s defense budget is just $8 billion. This indicates that India spends nearly ten times more on its military than Pakistan.
India’s military arsenal includes Rafale fighter jets, the S-400 air defense system, and India has also successfully tested the Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology, capable of targeting multiple locations simultaneously. According to the Federation of American Scientists, India has approximately 180 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan possesses about 170.
Pakistan's economic challenges continue to affect its military modernization, preventing it from keeping pace with India in terms of advanced weaponry and defense systems.
