On this day, 20th October: The Sino-Indian War began - 1962

The Sino-Indian War of 1962 was a brief but intense conflict between India and China, triggered by a long-standing border dispute. China attacked Indian positions on October 20, 1962, in two key areas: Aksai Chin (in the western sector) and Arunachal Pradesh (the eastern sector), regions both countries claimed. The war was primarily due to territorial disagreements over the poorly demarcated boundary known as the McMahon Line in the east and China's control over Aksai Chin in the west, which India considered part of Ladakh.

The war was marked by the following key events:

1. Initial Chinese Advance: China launched a surprise attack along the disputed borders, overwhelming Indian troops with their well-prepared, well-equipped forces. The Indian Army, unprepared for high-altitude warfare, faced significant setbacks, especially in the eastern sector.
2. Diplomatic Strain: Relations between India and China had been deteriorating since the 1950s due to disagreements over the border and India granting asylum to Dalai Lama in 1959 after the Tibetan uprising. This war marked the culmination of years of growing tension.
3. Indian Military Struggles: India was poorly equipped and underprepared for war in the harsh Himalayan conditions. Chinese forces, more familiar with high-altitude combat, advanced rapidly. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, faced a domestic and international crisis as Indian troops were pushed back in both sectors.
4. Ceasefire and Withdrawal: On November 21, 1962, China declared a unilateral ceasefire and withdrew from most of the disputed territory, though they retained control over Aksai Chin. India, however, suffered from the loss of territory and morale.

The war exposed India's military vulnerabilities and reshaped its defense policies. It also had long-lasting effects on India-China relations, leading to decades of mistrust and unresolved border tensions. The Line of Actual Control (LAC), a de facto border, remains a point of contention between the two nations today.