The partition of British India in 1947 not only led to the creation of two independent nations, India and Pakistan but also necessitated the division of the existing military forces. The process was complex and carried out amid growing communal tensions and logistical challenges. British Viceroy Lord Louis Mountbatten, who oversaw the transition, initially opposed dividing the army, proposing instead a unified force under a single British commander serving both nations. However, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leader of the Muslim League and Pakistan’s founding father, rejected this idea, insisting on a separate military for the new nation of Pakistan.

When independence was declared on August 15, 1947, the old Indian Army was officially dissolved. Soldiers were given the choice to serve either in India or Pakistan based on their preferences, though religious lines largely dictated the split. According to historical records, about two-thirds of the soldiers joined India, while one-third opted for Pakistan. Of the approximately 260,000 troops who chose India, only 2% were Muslim, with around 554 Muslim officers remaining. In contrast, nearly 98% of Muslim servicemen joined Pakistan’s armed forces, reflecting the deep communal divisions at the time.

Allocation of Air Force and Navy Personnel

In addition to the army, the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) and the Royal Indian Navy were also divided between the two countries. The RIAF had around 13,000 personnel, with 10,000 joining India and 3,000 moving to Pakistan. Similarly, the navy, which consisted of 8,700 members, saw 5,700 personnel integrate into India’s naval forces, while 3,000 went to Pakistan. Many British officers stayed temporarily in both nations to assist during the transition period. Notably, General Sir Robert Lockhart became India’s first army chief, while General Sir Frank Messervy assumed the same role in Pakistan. This division marked the formal end of British military control in South Asia, symbolizing the dawn of independent national armies for the newly formed states.