Vijay Diwas- the day India became a major power in the region by winning a war

Vijay Diwas is commemorated every year on December 16  to celebrate India winning the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 and honor the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers.

India and Pakistan were fighting for a period of 13 days starting from 3 Dec 1971 till 16 Dec 1971 ending with Pakistan accepting the loss. This war also led to the creation of Bangladesh and Pakistan after East and West Pakistan broke. Pakistan signed an instrument of surrender with India officially ending the war and accepting defeat.

Tribute to soldiers

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to fallen soldiers of the 1971 war at the National War Memorial in the morning. Along with the Defence Minister, Chief of Defense Staff Anil Chuahan, Amry Chief Gen Manoj Pande, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, and  IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal Aman Preet Singh also paid their respects to the brave hearts.

The war cost India the lives of more than 3000 soldiers and left around 12,000 soldiers injured. The number of casualties on the Pakistani side was much greater. Around 9,000 Pakistani soldiers died while 25,000 were wounded.

Tribute to soldiers on Vijay Diwas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to pay respect to the martyrs and remember the day. He stated "Today, on Vijay Diwas, we pay heartfelt tributes to all the brave heroes who dutifully served India in 1971, ensuring a decisive victory. Their valour and dedication remain a source of immense pride for the nation. Their sacrifices and unwavering spirit will forever be etched in the people’s hearts and our nation’s history. India salutes their courage and remembers their indomitable spirit."

Home Minister Amit Shah also took to Twitter to pay his respects on Vijay Diwas. He said "I bow to the brave hearts of our armed forces on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. On this day our soldiers won a glorious victory against Pakistani forces in 1971 and secured the dignity of life, women and human values, as a consequence of which a new nation Bangladesh was formed. The sacrifices and valor of our forces will remain a pillar of courage for eternity."

All three armed forces will celebrate the Vijay Diwas in their own manner at different events and pay tribute to the fallen soldiers.

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