The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965: An Alliance Power Transition Theory Perspective

This paper examines the interplay between global and regional rivalries by illustrating how alliances during the Cold War period affected the conflict between India and Pakistan in South Asia, with a focus on the US-Pakistan alliance and its consequences for the region. It applies Alliance Transition Theory (ATT) to the case of the 1965 Indo-Pak war, set within the geopolitical context of the Cold War. The study argues that, due to their implications for power redistribution and perceptions of parity, the US-Pakistan alliance pushed India-Pakistan relations onto a conflict trajectory. Pakistan’s alliance with the US was driven more by rivalry with India than by any shared strategic interests, temporarily leveling the power gap between the two states. Pakistan’s dissatisfaction with the South Asian regional status quo and its perceived power parity in terms of military strength contributed to the outbreak of war, as exemplified by the 1965 conflict. This paper critiques the Balance of Power theory and instead emphasizes the role of alliance-driven power transition in the 1965 India-Pakistan war. Methodologically, the research employs a mixed-methods approach that integrates historical analysis with theoretical perspectives. This study contributes a replicable framework concerning alliances, perceptions of power, and geopolitical contexts, which may offer new insights into regional rivalry and alliance dynamics. Keywords: Alliance, Cold War, 1965 Indo-Pak War, Parity, US-Pakistan Alliance.