The entire year is being celebrated as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ to commemorate the golden jubilee of the 1971 India-Pakistan war

On this day in 1971, India achieved a decisive victory over Pakistan resulting in the liberation of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh. The Chief of the Pakistani Forces, General Niazi along with 93,000 of his soldiers surrendered to the Indian forces.

December 16 is hence celebrated as Vijay Diwas in India. It is also observed as 'Bijoy Dibos' or Liberation Day in Bangladesh, marking the country’s formal independence from Pakistan.

'You surrender or we wipe you out' was the message given by Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw to Pakistan on 13th December 1971...," the Indian Army tweeted the famous words of Field Marshal Manekshaw along with the iconic photo marking victory on Indian forces.


To mark the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ - a symbol of victory - was also lit by the Prime Minister. There are four such mashaals or torches which will be carried to various parts of the country, including to villages of Param Vir Chakra and Mahavir Chakra Awardees of the 1971 War.

The entire year is being celebrated as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ to commemorate the golden jubilee of the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Various commemorative events will be conducted pan-India wherein war Veterans and Veer Naris will be felicitated.

The Prime Minister also took to Twitter and said, “On Vijay Diwas we recall the unwavering courage of our armed forces that resulted in a decisive victory for our nation in the 1971 war. On this special Vijay Diwas, had the honour of lighting the ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ at the National War Memorial.”

The 1971 Indo-Pak War was a 13-day war sparked by the rebellion in erstwhile East Pakistan against the Islamabad government.

On the Eastern front, 40 sorties of MiG aircraft and hunters were flown to target enemy troops occupying the Dacca University campus, with no collateral damage caused to any of the buildings or structures outside the target area.

On the Western Front, the operations, mainly directed towards the Ganganagar-Fazilka sector, saw attacks on a large number of trains carrying tanks, and ammunition.

On the 50th anniversary of India’s victory over Pakistan, the Indian Air Force paid tribute to the sacrifice of the brave warriors who fought during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

The Indian Army called the war a ‘Just War’ that transformed the map of the subcontinent, paying tribute to the brave soldiers who fought the war.

Meanwhile, wishes also poured in from top leaders in India and Bangladesh.

“On Vijay Diwas, let us recall the valor of our soldiers that affirmed our nation’s unwavering commitment to defend our sovereignty and protect human dignity. Their martyrdom in the 1971 war had shown unparalleled grit & prowess of our forces. The nation is eternally indebted to them,” President Ram Nath Kovind said in a tweet.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also took to Twitter and said, “Today, on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, I salute the valor and bravery of the Indian Army. I remember the bravery of our soldiers who wrote a new saga of bravery in the 1971 war. Their sacrifice is a source of inspiration for all Indians. Nation will always revere them.”

The Home Minister said that the Indian Army made a historic change on the world map on this day.

“On this day in 1971, the Indian Army, with its indomitable courage and valor, made a historic change on the world map, protecting the universal values of human freedom. This mark with golden letters in history will continue to make every Indian proud. Happy Vijay Diwas,” Amit Shah tweeted.

Former Army Chief General VP Malik said in a tweet, "Greetings to all countrymen on this historic post Independence event reflecting the political will of the nation and response of its military! Jai Hind.”

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Md. Shahriar Alam also paid respect to the Martyrs of the Great Liberation War of 1971.