New Delhi, Dec. 31 -- "How could we be so naive as to allow a major military victory to flounder...50 years after the victory, we lost the very same nation we helped create?" This question has haunted many observers of India's strategic history with regard to Bangladesh, 1971. Answering it becomes essential, especially as we assess the follow- up to Operation Sindoor and India's long-term objectives in Jammu & Kashmir. These are all aspects of conflict management that are often neglected. India's 1971 war with Pakistan, which led to the creation of Bangladesh, was among the most decisive military victories of the 20th century. It birthed a new nation and showcased Indian military strength and political will. Yet, over time, the warmth betwe...