On 27 October 1947, early in the morning, the newly independent nation of India launched a bold operation: three transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (Dakota DC-3s) lifted off from Palam (Airport) carrying troops of the 1st Battalion, The Sikh Regiment and landed at the airstrip in Srinagar in the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.

This rapid induction was triggered by the signing of the Instrument of Accession by Maharaja Hari Singh on 26 October, whereby the state acceded to India amid incursion by tribal forces from Pakistan. 

With roads and rail cut-off and the valley facing imminent threat, the airlift marked India’s first major post-independence military action. Within hours of landing, the troops moved swiftly to block advancing raiders near Baramulla. 

The operation not only secured the airfield but bought critical time for further reinforcements. Today, the Indian Army commemorates 27 October as Infantry Day, in memory of that bold step that shaped the course of the Kashmir conflict.