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The Himalayan Rivalry
There was war over disputed territory of Kashmir with China. India won Diu, Daman and Goa from Portuguese India. -
Death of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru
Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India and a central figure in Indian politics before and after independence -
Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
Conflict began following Pakistan's Operation Gibraltar, which was designed to infiltrate forces into Jammu and Kashmir to precipitate an insurgency against Indian rule. -
Indira Gandhi
Nehru's daughter Indira Gandhi becomes prime minister. She was the first and, to date, the only female Prime Minister of India. -
Electoral Malpractice
Indira Gandhi declares state of emergency after being found guilty of electoral malpractice.
Nearly 1,000 political opponents imprisoned and programme of compulsory birth control introduced. (to 1977) -
Janta Party
Indira Gandhi's Congress Party loses general elections. Janata Party comes to power. Communist party of India comes into power in West Bengal. Janta party splits in 1979 -
Golden Temple
Troops storm Golden Temple to flush out Sikh terrorist pressing for self-rule, called Operation Blue Star.
Indira Gandhi assassinated by Sikh bodyguards, following which her son, Rajiv, takes over.
Many Sikhs were killed due to the assassination of Indira Gandhi. see 1984 anti-Sikh riots. -
Muslim Separatists
Muslim separatist groups begin a campaign of violence in Kashmir. -
Amaranath Yatra Tragedy
The Amarnath Yatra tragedy in which at least 194 pilgrims are reported to have frozen to death in northern Kashmir after being stranded by violent rain and snow storms. -
Bill Clinton Visit
US President Bill Clinton makes a groundbreaking visit to improve ties.