Vijay Diwas 2021: All you need to know about 1971 Indo-Pak war

On December 16, India commemorates its victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war that resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. On this day, Indians pay tribute to the country’s valiant military. The prowess of the Indian Armed Forces, which include the Army, Air Force, and Navy, was built during pivotal stages in the subcontinent’s history.  Hence, the 51st anniversary of India’s triumph over Pakistan in 1971 will be marked by Vijay Diwas 2021.

WHY IS VIJAY DIWAS CELEBRATED IN INDIA ?

India defeated Pakistan on December 16, 1971, after a 13-day fight. The conflict in East Pakistan began on December 3, 1971, and ended 13 days later on December 16, 1971, when the Pakistan army unconditionally surrendered. 

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Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, then a Major-General in the Pakistan Army, surrendered to Indian Army and Mukti Bahini forces on this day. Niazi was the Commander of the Pakistan Eastern Command when he surrendered with 93,000 Pakistani forces. He also signed the ‘Instrument of Surrender’ at Ramna Race Course in Dacca (now Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh).

Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora, the then-General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of India’s Eastern Command, signed and accepted the ‘Instrument of Surrender.’ 

This was also the largest-ever military surrender after World War II, and the iconic photograph of Niazi signing the ‘Instrument of Surrender’ conveys the story of the mighty Indian Army’s valour. 

Pakistan sustained the most casualties in this battle, with around 8,000 killed and 25,000 injured, while India lost 3000 soldiers and 12,000 were injured. 

Bangladesh, which had previously been known as East Pakistan, was placed on the international map as a result of the 1971 war. The day is known as ‘Bijoy Dibos’ in Bangladesh, and it commemorates the country’s formal independence from Pakistan.

On this day, India’s Defence Minister and the leaders of all three wings of the Indian Armed Forces pay respect to the soldiers at India Gate’s Amar Jawan Jyoti.