This book provides a detailed account of the Indo-Pak War of 1971 as maintained in the Indian government's military history records. It is being made available to the public for the first time after the declassification of sensitive military records in 2005. These records include war diaries maintained by the units and higher formations of the Indian Armed Forces, notes of officers who fought in the war, interviews, accounts as learnt from Generals on both sides, official reports, journals, and gazetteers.

This book shall be useful to officers of the Defence Forces for study, to military analysts and enthusiasts, and to all those who have an interest in understanding the roots of relations between India and Pakistan.

"The book is an official version of Independent India's greatest military victory which split Pakistan into two parts, thereby diminishing the security and strategic threat not only from that country but it established our dominance throughout South Asia. Should be read by all Armed Forces, politicians and military scholars."
- Maj. Gen. Lachhman Singh Lehl, PVSM, VrC (Retd)

"The victory of the 1971 War was a remarkable achievement made possible by the sagacity of a statesperson, Indira Gandhi, accepting the military advice of a great soldier, Sam Manekshaw. This account will make every Indian justifiably proud."
- Lt. Gen. Depinder Singh, PVSM, VSM