ABSTRACT
This chapter, after highlighting the ingredients of national strategy, unfolds the strategies of all the stakeholders. Pakistan’s military strategy was to contain Indian forces in the East and fight a decisive offensive battle in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. Indira Gandhi wrote to the President of the US that “it is neither proper nor possible for India to keep quiet” and supported the Mukti Bahini’s war effort. India planned to undertake the main offensive in East Pakistan and offensive defence in the western theatre. The air force and navy augmented the war effort. India planned a multi-pronged offensive to destroy enemy forces and capture the maximum territory. Under the leadership of Mr. Tajuddin Ahmed the Provisional Bangladesh Government functioned from Calcutta. The Mukti Bahini acted as their sword arm.
