1962: The War in the Hills

The War in the Hills of 1962, often referred to as the Second Sino-Indian War, was a significant military conflict between India and China that occurred from October 20 to November 21, 1962. Rooted in territorial disputes over the sovereignty of Aksai Chin and the Northeast Frontier Agency (now Arunachal Pradesh), the war escalated tensions between the two nations. The conflict began with China's strategic offensive, swiftly overpowering Indian forces in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, leading to a decisive Chinese victory. The war concluded with a unilateral ceasefire declared by China, retracting from certain invaded territories but solidifying its control over Aksai Chin. The conflict had lasting impacts on Sino-Indian relations and regional security dynamics.