On 15 December 1971, the United States’ 7th Fleet began to withdraw from potential involvement in the ongoing Indo-Pakistani War. By this point, Pakistan’s military forces were facing inevitable defeat on all fronts. On this day in 1971, the Pakistani command began to fully grasp that surrender was unavoidable. However, their primary concern was securing assurance that their soldiers would not be executed upon surrender.
To counter any intervention by the US 7th Fleet, the Soviet Union deployed 20 warships into the Indian Ocean in support of the Indian Navy, which was already positioned in the Bay of Bengal. This strategic Soviet deployment had a profound deterrent effect, leading the US 7th Fleet to refrain from engaging in the conflict. With this, Pakistan’s last hope for external military assistance was extinguished.
Victory Cheers and Total Encirclement
By 15 December, most battle zones across East Pakistan were witnessing jubilation among the freedom-loving people, as liberation seemed within reach. Overcoming numerous natural obstacles—including rivers, canals, and marshlands—the joint forces of the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini (Freedom Fighters) had encircled the city of Dhaka from all directions, rendering the capital virtually paralysed.
Relentless Assaults on Occupying Forces
In Dhaka and its surrounding regions, relentless aerial bombardment by Indian MiG aircraft and artillery shelling by allied ground forces created extreme disarray among Pakistani troops.
In response to General Niazi’s proposal for a ceasefire, Indian Army Chief General Sam Manekshaw conveyed on 15 December that unless the Pakistani military agreed to unconditional surrender, the ceasefire proposal would not be accepted.
Ceasefire Gesture with a Deadline
As a gesture of goodwill, the Indian side informed the Pakistani command that air strikes on Dhaka would be suspended from 5:00 PM on 15 December to 9:00 AM on 16 December, to allow for the surrender process. Additionally, assurances were provided that the Allied Forces would not engage in any retaliatory actions if the surrender was peaceful.
However, a stern warning was also issued: failure to surrender unconditionally by the deadline would result in a full-scale attack commencing at 9:00 AM on 16 December.
Pakistan’s Presidential Directive and Acceptance
General Niazi promptly communicated these developments to the Pakistani military headquarters. Recognising the dire situation, the then President of Pakistan, Yahya Khan, issued a directive to General Niazi late at night on 15 December. The directive authorised acceptance of General Manekshaw’s terms for surrender to facilitate a ceasefire.
Following this, General Niazi immediately informed the Indian side of Pakistan’s willingness to surrender under the given conditions.
A Night of Strategic Movements
Thus, 15 December became a pivotal day, not only symbolising Pakistan’s imminent defeat but also setting the stage for formal surrender the following day.
That night, the joint forces began their final movement from Savar towards Dhaka. Along the way, they were joined by the Kaderia Bahini, led by Kader Siddiqui, who merged with the Indian and Bangladeshi forces.
At approximately 2:00 AM, the joint forces encountered resistance from Pakistani troops. The initial attempt to seize a strategic bridge was executed using commando tactics. Pakistani forces retaliated fiercely from the opposite side of the bridge.
In a coordinated move, another unit of the joint forces attacked from the western bank, and a fierce overnight battle ensued.
Summary Timeline: Key Developments on 15 December 1971
| Time/Period | Event |
| Morning | Pakistani forces face collapse across most war zones. |
| Afternoon | General Niazi proposes ceasefire; General Manekshaw demands unconditional surrender. |
| 5:00 PM | Indian side halts air strikes as a goodwill gesture, valid until 9:00 AM the next day. |
| Night | Yahya Khan authorises surrender; Niazi informs Indian command of acceptance. |
| Late Night | Joint forces march towards Dhaka; encounter heavy Pakistani resistance near a bridge. |
| Early Hours | Intense combat continues through the night with joint forces attacking from multiple sides. |
Strategic Implications
- US 7th Fleet‘s retreat demonstrated the efficacy of Soviet deterrence in Cold War geopolitics.
- The joint command of India and Mukti Bahini successfully utilised both military pressure and psychological warfare.
- 15 December was not only a day of military significance but also a precursor to 16 December, the Victory Day of Bangladesh.