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Operation X: The Untold Story of Indias Covert Naval War in Bangladesh
1971. Sheikh Mujibur Rehman in East Pakistan has just won an electoral mandate to become the prime minister of Pakistan. Accustomed to treating the eastern wing of the country as a colony, the ruling disposition in West Pakistan is not pleased, and launches a genocide against the residents of East Pakistan, flooding India with lakhs of refugees. With the violence in East Pakistan reaching a crescendo, the Indian government is faced with a difficult remain a mute spectator to the savagery on its eastern borders, or take action and go to war against its western neighbour. Thus was born Naval Commando Operation (X) - comprising Indian navy officers and divers, eight deserters from a Pakistani submarine and a ragtag bunch of Bengali youth fleeing the genocide - one of India's largest clandestine operations, meant to destabilize the West Pakistani efforts to bring East Pakistan to its knees. Revealed for the very first time, here is the explosive authentic account of the guerrilla operation that went for the maritime jugular of Pakistan, and facilitated the birth of Bangladesh.
256 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2019
37 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 2, 2019
This book is written by Sandeep Unnithan and my late father. My father, Capt MNR Samant wrote it after much persuasion. Through this book, we as a family learned what he did when he was gone for 22 months. We learned the reason for his Maha Vir Chakra. The book for me, was "unputdownable" as Sandeep took us through the various planning stages and gave us an inside view of how this operation was conducted. What a glorious chapter in the Indian Navy's history. Why it was kept secret till now is beyond comprehension. The fascinating, heart-wrenching, bloody birth of Bangladesh, and the creation of the Mukti Bahini all come to life to remind us that "Bangladesh" is not just a song by George Harrison. It is a nation that fought hard against the might of a powerful army to create its own distinct identity despite the genocide of its people. Aside from some editorial errors, a memorable read even for non military folks.
June 30, 2020
Must read for those who want to know about Indian history and what went behind the 1971 war. The only problem I had was with the writing style. I think it didn't do justice to such a great story. Overall, a good book on one of India's heroic mission.
April 10, 2025
This book is a gripping account of as little known but crucial chapter in the 1971 Bangladeshi liberation war. The book shed light on the top secret naval intelligence operation that trained and deployed Bengali guerrillas to sabotage Pakistani maritime operations, significantly weakening enemy supply lines. The book is based on declassified documents and firsthand testimonies. It offers a rare glimpse into India’s strategic brilliance and the bravery of those involved.
The book is a must read for military history enthusiasts and anyone who is having a slightest of interest in the geopolitics of South Asia.
The book is a must read for military history enthusiasts and anyone who is having a slightest of interest in the geopolitics of South Asia.
July 28, 2019
Amazing story of the covert operations carried out by Indian Navy during Bangladesh liberation war, 1971. Unbelievable courage displayed by common people of Bangladesh who trained under Indian Navy and operated during war. One would feel like watching a movie.
August 27, 2019
India’s most comprehensive military victory over Pakistan – in the four major confrontations between the two countries – came in 1971. The war gave the Indian Armed Forces their first real stint under the spotlight, and the man lauded for the military victory, the figure whom the public associated with the war, was Gen. (later Field Marshal) SHFJ Manekshaw, MC, the then Chief of Army Staff. Manekshaw’s popularity was probably higher than PM Indira Gandhi’s at the time. And he deserved it. One argues, however, that the Air Force and Navy and their Chiefs didn’t get the credit they deserved. ACM Pratap Chandra Lal, DFC, certainly felt so, and made his opinions known. Sadly, the heroics of the other two Services went unnoticed, at least by the junta. And while the motive behind Operation X: India’s Covert Naval War in East Pakistan 1971 may not be to seek laurels for the Navy, it ends up doing precisely that in a most remarkable fashion.
Written by Maha Vir Chakra awardee Capt. MNR Samant and journalist Sandeep Unnithan, the book documents the creation of a guerrilla naval force by the Indian Navy to deploy in sabotage operations in East Pakistan.
A book like this can be a task for even someone like me, who has grown up in the lap of the Armed Forces (so to speak), and the major hurdle for Capt. Samant and Unnithan is the narrative style. By adopting one in-tune with the storytelling culture India is known for, the book is made ten times more accessible than it might have been had it been weighed down with the professorial language a large number of non-fiction books seem to want to adopt.
Of course, the story itself is so thrilling that the book is virtually unputdownable. One marvels at the audacity of the Bengalis – a people hounded out of their homes, lucky to escape with their lives in the aftermath of Operation Searchlight – and at the sheer ingenuity displayed by the Indian Navy in what was its first offensive deployment.
Editorial errors aside, the book is a treat to read. And it really ought to be read!
Written by Maha Vir Chakra awardee Capt. MNR Samant and journalist Sandeep Unnithan, the book documents the creation of a guerrilla naval force by the Indian Navy to deploy in sabotage operations in East Pakistan.
A book like this can be a task for even someone like me, who has grown up in the lap of the Armed Forces (so to speak), and the major hurdle for Capt. Samant and Unnithan is the narrative style. By adopting one in-tune with the storytelling culture India is known for, the book is made ten times more accessible than it might have been had it been weighed down with the professorial language a large number of non-fiction books seem to want to adopt.
Of course, the story itself is so thrilling that the book is virtually unputdownable. One marvels at the audacity of the Bengalis – a people hounded out of their homes, lucky to escape with their lives in the aftermath of Operation Searchlight – and at the sheer ingenuity displayed by the Indian Navy in what was its first offensive deployment.
Editorial errors aside, the book is a treat to read. And it really ought to be read!
August 4, 2019
An amazing book telling the story of the Bangladesh war, the role of the Indian Navy and the covert operations in the support of the Mukti Bahini in it's independence war.
It has never been admitted in any forum, leave alone reveal the details of the covert operations that India was capable of. In great details the book describes events and individuals, with interesting details about the soldiers and sailors.
Before this war the Navy was an ignored arm but here it launched the operation X and brought the Pakistan support system to a halt in East Pakistan.
It's interesting to learn about pro Pakistan role of USA and how it was countered by Russia which not only supplied arms but also countered the US fleet and used it's veto 4 times in the United Nations when USA tried to get Pakistan our of it's crisis by a UN resolution.
A must read especially for those with interest in the Indian armer forces.
It has never been admitted in any forum, leave alone reveal the details of the covert operations that India was capable of. In great details the book describes events and individuals, with interesting details about the soldiers and sailors.
Before this war the Navy was an ignored arm but here it launched the operation X and brought the Pakistan support system to a halt in East Pakistan.
It's interesting to learn about pro Pakistan role of USA and how it was countered by Russia which not only supplied arms but also countered the US fleet and used it's veto 4 times in the United Nations when USA tried to get Pakistan our of it's crisis by a UN resolution.
A must read especially for those with interest in the Indian armer forces.
August 3, 2020
A scintillating read! This is an untold story of how young bangla college students (who supported liberation of Bangladesh from East Pakistan) received training from India to become assault swimmers - who would go on to bomb Pakistani vessels that provided essential items to the army in east pakistan. An untold aspect of the 1971 war, which is a fantastic story.
Most parts of the Book are written in lucid language, which makes it easy reading for even a layman unaware of how the defence forces work. Only certain parts dealing with how the navy operates could have been simplified more.
But keeping that aside, many parts of the book will give you goosebumps. A truly inspiring story of struggle, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh.
Most parts of the Book are written in lucid language, which makes it easy reading for even a layman unaware of how the defence forces work. Only certain parts dealing with how the navy operates could have been simplified more.
But keeping that aside, many parts of the book will give you goosebumps. A truly inspiring story of struggle, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh.
February 14, 2020
What worked for me:
1. The book though filled with navy jargon, never becomes a manual reading experience. The authors had written the book with themselves playing the role of storytellers.
2. The book, as it claims, really reveals an untold yet significant operation undertaken by the Navy
What didn't work for me:
1. Technically this is not a complain, just wondered whether the author should have added a chapter detailing the Western theater role played by the Navy. Only a few paragraphs was dedicated to that part.
1. The book though filled with navy jargon, never becomes a manual reading experience. The authors had written the book with themselves playing the role of storytellers.
2. The book, as it claims, really reveals an untold yet significant operation undertaken by the Navy
What didn't work for me:
1. Technically this is not a complain, just wondered whether the author should have added a chapter detailing the Western theater role played by the Navy. Only a few paragraphs was dedicated to that part.
August 19, 2019
My heart was racing and so were the pages
Excellent account of one India's most clandestine operations during 71 war. Which gave birth to the Bangladesh navy and MARCOS. Also the importance of a naval force was proven. Amazing read recommend for every defense enthusiast.
Excellent account of one India's most clandestine operations during 71 war. Which gave birth to the Bangladesh navy and MARCOS. Also the importance of a naval force was proven. Amazing read recommend for every defense enthusiast.
September 17, 2025
A terrific book written by a couple of men with iron hearts. The writing is solid, the pace keeps the page turning. Written without the drudgery that reading history occasionally gives the reader, it fills you in beautifully on on the timeline of 1971. Surprisingly no claims are made to vitriolic patriotism, which is perhaps the most beautiful aspect of a book written by two former military officers.
a definite read for those with faith wanting in the Indian defence forces, especially the navy.
a definite read for those with faith wanting in the Indian defence forces, especially the navy.
March 17, 2021
তথ্যসমৃদ্ধ কিন্তু অগোছালো।
July 16, 2021
Good read
Most of the details mentioned in the book will be useful only if you closely follow and understand Indian defence architecture.
A very detailed description of events that led to liberation of Bangladesh.
Most of the details mentioned in the book will be useful only if you closely follow and understand Indian defence architecture.
A very detailed description of events that led to liberation of Bangladesh.
May 27, 2021
The book is a decent read. It provides gripping details of the events which transformed the Indian Navy. Yes, the book is mainly about the role of naval saboteurs. But the raising of such a force has to be a watershed event in the life of a young nation’s navy.
The raising of the saboteur force has been explained in god detail. The role of the naval leadership, support of the Mukti Bahani, and the personal valour have been laid out in a beautiful fashion.
The raising of the saboteur force has been explained in god detail. The role of the naval leadership, support of the Mukti Bahani, and the personal valour have been laid out in a beautiful fashion.
June 9, 2021
The details of India's naval covert warfare come to light during the '71 Bangladesh liberation war. The book shares stories of the main players and the roles they played. The strategic ingenuity along with the grit and determination of Indian forces along with the Mukti Bahini is shared. The agony, the training, operations and victory all are shared in an engaging manner. The book feels like an action thriller and is not a dry read except for maybe some short bits here and there.
October 22, 2020
One of the best contemporary books about Indian military operations. Very positive, clearly admiring of what the Indian Navy and Bangladeshi divers did in 1971; but avoids the tone of mindless adoration of some other publications; and is the better for it. Detailed, researched, excitingly narrative, by an author steeped in the culture of the Indian Navy. Strongly recommended.
October 12, 2019
Good read .
Congratulations to writers for bringing this story forward . However the prologue and unnecessary tidbits of history was unnecessary in my opinion ;the space could have been given to the other exploits of IN. Overall a good read.
Congratulations to writers for bringing this story forward . However the prologue and unnecessary tidbits of history was unnecessary in my opinion ;the space could have been given to the other exploits of IN. Overall a good read.
March 31, 2020
Interesting book. Covert operations is not an easy field to master and I am glad this books brings out the efforts of our heroes from the war. The concepts laid the keel for forming the Marine Commandos in Navy. A well written book. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Read
April 27, 2020Wow ! What a book.. was not able to put the book down.. was continously reading the book until I realised it was 2AM early morning next day... thrilling exhilarating... very coherent and well written....must read book if one is interested in covert military operations....
April 17, 2021
A book that makes me so so proud and one that will be purchased and added to my collectibles on my bookshelf. For the ones who fought the war and were unflinchingly loyal to the battle for freedom, anything we say would be less.
July 1, 2020
A book you can't put down until you have finished reading it. It's a thriller better than any fiction.
March 22, 2021
Riveting!
August 28, 2024
A book on the naval operations conducted by Indian Navy in East Pak.
Naval Commando Operation X
Mukti bahni and defected naval personnel of Pakistan were trained, guided and equipped by Indian Naval teams to launch a series of attacks in East Pak (now Bangladesh) prior to commencement of War (started on 22 Nov and not 3 Dec).
1st series of attacks codenamed Operation Jackpot were conducted on 15th August (176 x mukti naval commandos participated).
2nd wave of naval commando attacks was launched b/w 18-22 Sep and the third in Oct 1971 (all prior to initiation of War b/w India and Pakistan).
Operation was being looked after by Captain MK Roy (later Vice Admiral), Director Naval Intelligence and Commander Samant.
Sadly... we are still unable to counter myths/ propaganda surrounding events of 1971 war & Fall of Dhaka.
Since, Pak lost the war, our leaders decided to place the issue under the carpet thus paving way for propaganda to gain currency.
During the conduct of war, mistakes are bound to happen, wrong decisions are often taken and some actions of soldiers/ leaders always become controversial & objectionable, however, by avoidong the issue altogether, we deny our brave fallen soldiers and civilians the respect/ honour who laid their lives for the unity and sanctity of our homeland.
Few instances should have been handled differently than the path chosen, nontheless, this is what the FOG OF WAR is!!!
We need to learn from our mistakes, own our brave soldiers who fought in a hostile territory with meagre resources for 9 months and expose the role India played in the break up of United Pakistan.
Sadly, a total political defeat pinned onto the military and not onwed by masses.
Personal ethnic agenda of Sheikh Mujeeb, fear to lose political clout/ relevance by Bhutto and manipulation to stay as President by Yahya led to this debacle.
Fall of Dhaka also carries a key lesson for our political class... they need to sit & resolve their issues themselves if Pakistan is to progress.
Naval Commando Operation X
Mukti bahni and defected naval personnel of Pakistan were trained, guided and equipped by Indian Naval teams to launch a series of attacks in East Pak (now Bangladesh) prior to commencement of War (started on 22 Nov and not 3 Dec).
1st series of attacks codenamed Operation Jackpot were conducted on 15th August (176 x mukti naval commandos participated).
2nd wave of naval commando attacks was launched b/w 18-22 Sep and the third in Oct 1971 (all prior to initiation of War b/w India and Pakistan).
Operation was being looked after by Captain MK Roy (later Vice Admiral), Director Naval Intelligence and Commander Samant.
Sadly... we are still unable to counter myths/ propaganda surrounding events of 1971 war & Fall of Dhaka.
Since, Pak lost the war, our leaders decided to place the issue under the carpet thus paving way for propaganda to gain currency.
During the conduct of war, mistakes are bound to happen, wrong decisions are often taken and some actions of soldiers/ leaders always become controversial & objectionable, however, by avoidong the issue altogether, we deny our brave fallen soldiers and civilians the respect/ honour who laid their lives for the unity and sanctity of our homeland.
Few instances should have been handled differently than the path chosen, nontheless, this is what the FOG OF WAR is!!!
We need to learn from our mistakes, own our brave soldiers who fought in a hostile territory with meagre resources for 9 months and expose the role India played in the break up of United Pakistan.
Sadly, a total political defeat pinned onto the military and not onwed by masses.
Personal ethnic agenda of Sheikh Mujeeb, fear to lose political clout/ relevance by Bhutto and manipulation to stay as President by Yahya led to this debacle.
Fall of Dhaka also carries a key lesson for our political class... they need to sit & resolve their issues themselves if Pakistan is to progress.
October 31, 2021
1971 was the first time when Indian Navy was in an offensive role. The textbook attack on Karachi and PNS Ghazi is well known, but other covert operations in the East are relatively unknown. It is not known that Plassey/Palashi have changed the the fate of Indian Subcontinent not once but twice, first in 1857 it was the site of Battle of Plassey (On a side note Plassey 1757: Clive of India's Finest Hour is a fine account of that battle) and for the second time when a training camp "C2P" for training of Mukti Bahini volunteers in Covert naval operations. This books details the later. With the exactness of an academic work and lucidity of a well written novel, everyone will have a good time reading this.
March 23, 2023
Having read Unninathan's account of the Taj attack, I picked this one up eagerly. A truly valiant story of the underappreciated navy was however difficult for me to keep track with. The various branches of this Operation were elaborated on in great detail but the mixing of narratives was the factor that caused the difficulty of tracking each character's progress. I gradually began losing interest because of the same, and some additional details that we could have done without- description of the officer's family, how many siblings he has, had nothing to do with the operation itself; the kind of paper on which the Maj. Gen. wrote his plan did not matter.
this one lacked the conscise matter and could have had better arrangement.
this one lacked the conscise matter and could have had better arrangement.
September 8, 2025
A good book on the works of the Indian Navy in the Eastern Front during the Liberation War of Bangladesh. But there are some factual mistakes. For example, Lhendup Dorjee was not Prime Minister of Bhutan but of Sikkim, or 2 C in C of Mukibahini is not A Q Khandakar but A K Khandakar. But I am reading the Bangla translation, which also missesthe bibliography.
November 22, 2019
For a change it was good to read about Indian Navy's exploits and covert activities
December 11, 2019
A Saga of bravery which many Indians are unaware of. Must read to know the power and brilliance of Indian navy.
April 16, 2020
Some finer details of operation from Navy.
July 19, 2020
This book is a tribute to the War heroes of East Pakistan War.
March 13, 2021
I enjoyed my time with the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews