Know the Facts: Indian Army Reminds Trump's Washington of 1971 War Amid U.S. Tariff Threats
The Indian Army on Tuesday fired a subtle but powerful historical shot across Washington’s bow, by reminding the public of the U.S.’s support for Pakistan during the 1971 war.
In a post titled “This Day That Year – Build Up of War – 05 Aug 1971 #KnowFacts”, the Army's Eastern Command shared a vintage newspaper clipping that read: “US ARMS WORTH $2 BILLION SHIPPED TO PAKISTAN SINCE '54.”
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| File Photo Source: Indian Army Eastern Command |
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) defended India's position by stating: “India has been targeted by the United States and the European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict. In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict.”
It further reminded that the U.S. had “actively encouraged such imports by India” early in the conflict to stabilize global energy markets.
In parallel, India highlighted glaring Western double standards. While Washington and Brussels criticize India, both are deeply engaged in trade with Russia.
In 2024, the EU imported a record 16.5 million tonnes of LNG from Russia and traded €67.5 billion in goods and €17.2 billion in services with Moscow.
The U.S. continues to import uranium hexafluoride, palladium, fertilizers, and chemicals from Russia, none of which have been paused.
Against this backdrop, the Army’s throwback post was a reminder that strategic trust must be earned, not demanded, and that India’s pursuit of energy security and geopolitical autonomy is deeply rooted in past betrayals and present realities.
In 1971, as Pakistan launched preemptive strikes on Indian air bases and committed mass atrocities in what is now Bangladesh, the United States under President Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger supported Pakistan politically, economically, and militarily.
Washington even dispatched the USS Enterprise-led Task Force 74 to the Bay of Bengal, seen by India as a coercive maneuver meant to intimidate New Delhi and stall the liberation of East Pakistan.
The Soviet Union, then India’s treaty ally, countered by dispatching its own naval fleet and nuclear submarine.
Despite the U.S. backing of a regime responsible for the genocide of up to 3 million civilians and the rape of over 200,000 women, India prevailed.
The war ended in just 13 days, with 93,000 Pakistani troops surrendering, marking one of the fastest and most decisive military victories in modern history and resulting in the birth of Bangladesh.
By invoking 1971 now, the Indian Army is now reclaiming moral clarity. The message is that India does not forget, and it won’t be lectured, especially by those who once stood on the wrong side of its sovereignty.