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Role of Soviet Union

The Soviet Union played a pivotal role in supporting Bangladesh's liberation war and achieving independence from Pakistan from 1971-1972. The USSR was the first great power to recognize Bangladesh and criticize Pakistan's crackdown. It provided diplomatic, political, military, and humanitarian support to Bangladesh by sharing intelligence, vetoing UN resolutions, and sending naval forces to counter the US fleet. This crucial assistance helped the Bangladeshi forces successfully wage war and ultimately secure independence from Pakistan.

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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
124 views2 pages

Role of Soviet Union

The Soviet Union played a pivotal role in supporting Bangladesh's liberation war and achieving independence from Pakistan from 1971-1972. The USSR was the first great power to recognize Bangladesh and criticize Pakistan's crackdown. It provided diplomatic, political, military, and humanitarian support to Bangladesh by sharing intelligence, vetoing UN resolutions, and sending naval forces to counter the US fleet. This crucial assistance helped the Bangladeshi forces successfully wage war and ultimately secure independence from Pakistan.

Uploaded by

Ashraful Islam
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Role of Soviet Union

The Soviet Union (USSR) played a significant role in the liberation war of Bangladesh, which took
place from March to December 1971. USSR was not only the first great power to recognize
Bangladesh as in independent country but also was the first great power to criticize publicly the
Pakistan crackdown began on 25 March 1971. The reaction of the Soviet Government was
immediate. The Soviet Union had been a strong supporter of the Mukti Bahini during the
Bangladesh Liberation War and provided extensive aid, recognizing that Bangladesh's
independence would weaken the position of its rivals.
In some stages of this Liberation War, the Soviet Union even declared the war as the “NATIONAL
WAR”. The Soviet Foreign Minister during the time of war, Andrei Gromyko said to Rogers who was
the Foreign Secretary of the USA,” The matter of East Pakistan is not an internal matter of Pakistan
anymore. It has become a global issue.” The Liberation War of Bangladesh got international
recognition and support because of the diplomatic initiatives taken by Soviet Union.
The Soviet Union provided strong diplomatic and political support to Bangladesh's cause for
independence. Soviet intelligence agencies shared valuable information with the Bengali rebels
regarding Pakistani military movements and strategies. This support helped the Mukti Bahini to
plan their operations effectively. They extended humanitarian aid to the Bengali refugees who fled
to India to escape the atrocities committed by the Pakistani military. They provided food, medicine,
and other essential supplies to alleviate the suffering of the displaced population. Soviet Union
supported Bangladesh wholeheartedly and they used their veto power consecutively three times
in the United Nations Security Council which made the way easier for Bangladesh to reach her ever
desired goal, “Independence”.
In response to the presence of US 7th fleet in the Bay of Bengal, led by the aircraft carrier USS
Enterprise on 13 December, USSR dispatched a nuclear-armed flotilla, Pacific Fleet, from
Vladivostok. Though the Russian fleet comprised a good number of nuclear-armed ships and atomic
submarines, their missiles were of limited range (300km). Therefore, to counter the American
deception Russians took a brilliant strategy to bluff. The chief commander ordered to lift the subs
when the American appear. It was done to demonstrate that they had nuclear submarines in the
Indian Ocean. Ultimately this bluff paid off; Russians encircled the US, not allowing the fleet to close
in on Chittagong or Dhaka, securing the independence of Bangladesh. Soviet Union’s positive role
thus contributed immensely to the historic triumph of Bangladesh.
Overall, the Soviet Union's support was crucial in providing Bangladesh with the necessary
resources and international backing to wage a successful war for independence. Their assistance
significantly influenced the outcome of the conflict and helped shape the political landscape of the
region.

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