Vijay Diwas 2021: The Day When India Won The 1971 War Against Pakistan

This year marks the 50th anniversary of India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, which saw the creation of Bangladesh. India declared victory over Pakistan on December 16, 1971, after the Pakistani armed forces surrendered. Since then, this day has been commemorated as Vijay Diwas to remember the sacrifices of defence forces.

History and significance

The 1971 war not only liberated Bangladesh, but it also dealt Pakistan a crushing blow. The signing of the ‘Instrument Of Surrender' by Pakistan Army Major-General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi to the Indian Army and Bangladesh's Mukti Bahini was a defining image that cemented India's leadership in the subcontinent. Major-General Niazi surrendered with his 93,000 troops before Lt General Jagjit Singh Aurora, then General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of India's Eastern Command. This was the largest military surrender since World War II.

The 1971 war was a result of the Pakistan military's ill-treatment of the Bengali-speaking majority in East Pakistan. Following the electoral triumph of the East Pakistan-based Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in the 1970 elections, the Pakistani military used force to try to sway the outcome. This resulted in a mass outflow of people from Bangladesh, forcing India to intervene.

The war began after Pakistan launched pre-emptive airstrikes on Indian Air Force stations on December 3, 1971. A day later, India decided to support Bangladeshi nationalist groups and launched Operation Trident and successfully targeted the Karachi Port in then West Pakistan. On the eastern flank, Mukti Bahini guerrillas joined hands with Indian forces against Pakistani troops.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other leaders honour soldiers:

In a tweet on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, “On the 50th Vijay Diwas, I recall the great valour and sacrifice by the Muktijoddhas, Biranganas and bravehearts of the Indian Armed Forces. Together, we fought and defeated oppressive forces. Rashtrapati Ji's presence in Dhaka is of special significance to every Indian.”

On the 50th Vijay Diwas, I recall the great valour and sacrifice by the Muktijoddhas, Biranganas and bravehearts of the Indian Armed Forces. Together, we fought and defeated oppressive forces. Rashtrapati Ji's presence in Dhaka is of special significance to every Indian.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2021

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, too, remembered “the martyrs and veterans of the 1971 war”.

Remembering the martyrs and veterans of the 1971 war. India won the war to save the idea of democracy under the able leadership of Former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi ji.

Jai Hind!#VijayDiwas2021

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 16, 2021

Here are a few other tweets:

Bringing smiles & tranquility to crores within & beyond our nation.#VijayDiwas pic.twitter.com/TyCBxSmrIN

— Congress (@INCIndia) December 16, 2021

The courage with which all bravehearts fought the 1971 war, is remembered by everyone. We salute your sacrifice.

Also celebrating the contribution of our Armed Forces in this feat. Your heroism continues to inspire us, even today!

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 16, 2021

Salute the exemplary valour of our Armed Forces on #VijayDiwas and my humble tributes to the martyrs of 1971 India- Pakistan War. This day marks a glorious chapter in India's history and we remain indebted to the strong leadership of then PM Smt. Indira Gandhi ji.

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) December 16, 2021

ஆதிக்கத்திற்கு எதிராக கிளர்ந்தெழுந்த மக்களுக்கு இந்திய இராணுவம் துணை நின்று, வங்கதேச விடுதலையைப் பெற்றுத் தந்த பொன்விழா நாளில், 1971 போரில் வீரமரணம் அடைந்த போர் வீரர்களுக்கு வீரவணக்கம் செலுத்துகிறேன். pic.twitter.com/TRPhZ2IOcm

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 16, 2021

#VijayDiwas pic.twitter.com/YgET14cNAw

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) December 16, 2021

India will always remember those soldiers who showed exemplary courage and sacrificed their lives fighting for the nation.