Vijay Diwas or Victory Day is celebrated every year on December 16 in India to mark the anniversary of the victory of Indian forces over Pakistan in Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman were among the host of leaders who remembered the soldiers on Vijay Diwas, the anniversary of the victory of Indian forces over Pakistan in Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
Vijay Diwas or Victory Day is celebrated every year on December 16 in India to mark the anniversary of the victory of Indian forces over Pakistan. On December 16,1971, nearly 93,000 Pakistani soldiers had raised white flags and surrendered to the Indian Army.
The victory followed the creation of Bangladesh (then East Pakistan).
Paying tribute to soldiers, the President said in a tweet: "On Vijay Diwas, we remember with gratitude our Armed Forces who defended our nation and upheld universal values of human liberty in 1971. In particular, we pay tribute to those who lost their lives in that valiant effort."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the "indomitable spirit" of the soldiers who fought in 1971.
"Today on Vijay Diwas, we remember the indomitable spirit of the brave soldiers who fought in 1971. Their unwavering courage and patriotism ensured our country is safe. Their service will always inspire every Indian," he said in a tweet.
In a tweet, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the defeat of Pakistani forces was one of the biggest surrenders in modern history.
"The might, bravery, and resolve of the Indian Armed Forces compelled the Pakistani forces to put their weapons down in just 14 days, turning it into one of the biggest surrenders in modern history. Let us celebrate this achievement with pride on Vijay Diwas today," her tweet read.
1. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Amar Jawan Jyoti
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Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman paying tribute to soldiers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate on the occasion of Vijay Divas.
(Photo: Twitter/nsitharaman)
2. One of the biggest surrenders in modern history
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The might, bravery, and resolve of the Indian Armed Forces compelled the Pakistani forces to put their weapons down in just 14 days, turning it into one of the biggest surrenders in modern history. Let us celebrate this achievement with pride on Vijay Diwas today: Defence Minister
(Photo: Twitter/DefenceMinIndia)
3. Surrender of Pakistani forces established India as one of the strongest military powers in the world
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47 yrs ago on this day today, our Armed Forces not just made Pakistan surrender, but also established India as one of the strongest military powers in the world. VijayDiwas is the day to remember the valour & sacrifice of the brave soldiers who made this happen: Defence Minister
(Photo: Twitter/DefenceMinIndia)
4. Homage to martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti
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Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa and Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Devraj Anbu pay homage to the martyrs on the occasion of Vijay Diwas at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, in New Delhi, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018.
(Photo: PIB)
5. 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal: Param Vir Chakra
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16 December 1971, ‘Battle of Basantar’. 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, 17 Poona Horse, displayed unparalleled gallantry, indomitable courage & unique instinct of a warrior. He was posthumously awarded Param Vir Chakra
(Photo: Twitter/ADGPI)
6. I am sending you across, ensure victory: Field Marshal Manekshaw
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'I am sending you across, ensure victory. Prisoners of war will not be ill-treated': Field Marshal Manekshaw, Nov 1971. Indian Army lived up to the directions of Field Marshal Manekshaw and forced the surrender of 93000 Pakistani troops.
