Vijay Diwas: President Droupadi Murmu salutes courage and sacrifice of 1971 War heroes

NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to the heroes of the 1971 India-Pakistan War on the occasion of the 54th Vijay Diwas, remembering their courage, sacrifice and unwavering devotion to the nation. The 1971 war marked a decisive victory for India and led to the liberation of Bangladesh.

Recalling the valour and patriotism of the armed forces, President Murmu bowed to the supreme sacrifice made by soldiers in the service of the nation and expressed her deep gratitude to the Indian Armed Forces for their role in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and honour.

In a post on X, the President wrote, “On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, I pay my humble respects to the brave sons of Mother India. Their courage, valour, and unparalleled devotion to the motherland have always filled the nation with pride. Their heroism and patriotism will continue to inspire the people of the country…”

विजय दिवस के अवसर पर मैं भारत माता के वीर सपूतों को सादर नमन करती हूं। उनके साहस, पराक्रम और मातृभूमि के लिए अनन्य निष्ठा ने राष्ट्र को सदा गौरवान्वित किया है। उनकी वीरता और राष्ट्रप्रेम देशवासियों को प्रेरित करते रहेंगे। भारतीय सेना की ‘स्वदेशीकरण से सशक्तिकरण’ की पहल भविष्य की…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 16, 2025

The President said Vijay Diwas stands as a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the Indian Armed Forces and serves as a reminder of one of the most significant chapters in India’s military history. She said the sacrifices made by soldiers during the 1971 war would forever remain etched in the nation’s collective memory.

Further, President Murmu also recalled the courage and valour displayed by the Indian Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor, India’s responsive strike to Pakistan following the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people. She emphasised the professionalism, preparedness and determination of the forces in countering terrorism and protecting national security.

She highlighted the vigilance, self-reliance, commitment to service, and the use of state-of-the-art warfare techniques in destroying the terror sites in Pakistan.

“The Indian Army’s ‘Empowerment through Indigenisation’ initiative reflects a commitment to being prepared for future challenges. In Operation Sindoor, the army has demonstrated self-reliance, strategic resolve, and the effective use of modern warfare techniques, which serve as an inspiration for the entire nation. I extend my best wishes to all soldiers and their families. Jai Hind!” she added.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the courageous armed forces personnel who fought relentlessly in the 1971 war and paid tribute to their unmatched spirit of nationalism and sacrifice.”

On Vijay Diwas, we remember the brave soldiers whose courage and sacrifice ensured India had a historic victory in 1971. Their steadfast resolve and selfless service protected our nation and etched a moment of pride in our history. This day stands as a salute to their valour and…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2025

“On Vijay Diwas, we remember the brave soldiers whose courage and sacrifice ensured India had a historic victory in 1971. Their steadfast resolve and selfless service protected our nation and etched a moment of pride in our history. This day stands as a salute to their valour and a reminder of their unmatched spirit. Their heroism continues to inspire generations of Indians”, the Prime Minister wrote in a post on X.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, noted that the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in full coordination and discipline, fought against the atrocities of the Pakistani Army to free Bangladesh, asserting global dominance of the Indian Armed Forces and shaping history.

On Vijay Diwas, the nation bows in pride and gratitude to the Indian Armed Forces who delivered the decisive victory of 1971. The Army, Navy and Air Force operated in flawless coordination, reshaping history and asserting India’s strategic resolve. Their valour, discipline and…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 16, 2025

In a post on X, he said, “On Vijay Diwas, the nation bows in pride and gratitude to the Indian Armed Forces who delivered the decisive victory of 1971. The Army, Navy and Air Force operated in flawless coordination, reshaping history and asserting India’s strategic resolve. Their valour, discipline and combat spirit continue to inspire generations and strengthen our national will.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remembered the heroic struggle of the Indian Armed Forces in getting the historic win in 1971. “The indomitable bravery of the brave warriors of the Indian Armed Forces brought historic victory to India in 1971. The nation is indebted to their sacrifice; inspired by their immortal saga of heroism, India shall forever remain invincible. Jai Hind!” he wrote on X.

Indian National Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge saluted the vigilance and bravery of the armed forces, resulting in the defeat of the Pakistani Army. He also noted that the victory became an absolute example of humanity and justice under the bold leadership of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

In a post on X, Kharge said, “On this very day in the year 1971, history was made when the valiant armed forces of India decisively defeated Pakistan, securing independence for Bangladesh and reshaping the map of the world… Under the visionary, courageous, and resolute leadership of Indira Gandhi ji, this victory became a great example of humanity and justice. We pay our hundredfold salutations to the unparalleled courage, valour, and sacrifice of the Indian military might and the Mukti Bahini. The sacrifice and dedication of these valiant sons of Mother India will forever be remembered by a grateful nation.”

Vijay Diwas is observed every year on December 16 to mark India’s historic military victory in the 1971 war, which resulted in the surrender of Pakistani forces and the creation of the independent nation of Bangladesh. The day stands as a reminder of the bravery, discipline and strategic excellence displayed by the Indian Armed Forces during one of the most significant military campaigns in the country’s history.

Across the country, Vijay Diwas was marked with various commemorative events. The Eastern Command of the Indian Army observed the occasion by organising a Military Tattoo in Kolkata, West Bengal, showcasing military traditions, discipline and ceremonial drills.

#विजयदिवस: 1971 युद्ध की अमर कहानी#विजयदिवस सिर्फ एक तारीख नहीं – यह 1971 के युद्ध में भारतीय सशस्त्र बलों की ऐतिहासिक और निर्णायक जीत का प्रतीक है।

यह वह विजय थी जिसमें मुक्ति बहिनी और भारतीय सशस्त्र बल कंधे से कंधा मिलाकर खड़े हुए और मिलकर बांग्लादेश की स्वतंत्रता की लड़ाई… pic.twitter.com/6zQ4EvxlK3

— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 16, 2025

Alongside this, the Indian Army recalled the heroism and nationalism of the Indian Armed Forces by sharing the historic tale of the liberation of Bangladesh in a social media post from the Additional Directorate General of Public Information. In a post on X, the Indian Army wrote, “Vijay Diwas is not just a date – it stands as the symbol of the historic and decisive victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 War”.

The army described the battle as a triumph that reshaped India’s military history, stating, “It was a victory where the Mukti Bahini and the Indian Armed Forces fought shoulder-to-shoulder, together giving the Bangladesh Liberation struggle its decisive thrust toward freedom… A triumph that reshaped India’s military history, redrew the map of South Asia and gave birth to a new nation – Bangladesh,” the post read.

The Indian Army noted that the victory ended the mayhem and cruelty of the Pakistani Army, faced by a large community. The Indian Army, in just 13 days, dissolved at least 93,000 Pakistani soldiers into surrendering, marking it as one of the largest military surrenders in the world. (ANI)