Vijay Diwas

About Vijay Diwas

When is Vijay Diwas celebrated

Vijay Diwas is celebrated on December 16 every year to honour the victory of Indian armed forces over Pakistan in the 1971 war. On the day, India pays homage to all the soldiers who defended the nation.

Why does India celebrate Vijay Diwas?

On December 16, 1971, India had won the war against Pakistan after fighting for 13 days. The chief of the Pakistani forces, General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi surrendered to the joint forces of Indian Army and Bangladesh's Mukti Bahini, along with 93,000 Pakistani troops.

It was also the biggest-ever military surrender after World War II.

What led to the war?

The war was triggered by a rebellion in East Pakistan against the Islamabad government. Pakistani forces were committing atrocities on the Bengalis and minority Hindu population in East Pakistan. It is estimated that between 300,000-500,000 civilians were killed by the Pakistani forces, although the Bangladesh government puts the figures at three million.

Former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi then decided to provide support to erstwhile East Pakistan. She decided to give refuge to people who fled from East Pakistan. It is estimated that 8-10 million people left the country.

How did India-Pakistan war of 1971 start

The war started when Pakistan launched air strikes on 11 Indian airbases on December 3, 1971. For the first time perhaps all three forces of India fought in unison. In return, Gandhi ordered Army Chief General Sam Manekshaw to launch a full-scale war against the neighbour.

What was the aftermath of the war?

The war resulted in the birth of Bangladesh, which was then East Pakistan.

The day is also observed in Bangladesh as ‘Bijoy Dibos’, marking the country’s formal independence from Pakistan.

More than 3,800 Indian and Pakistani soldiers had lost their lives in the war.

India had also held 93,000 prisoners-of-war by the end of war on December 16. Eight months after the war, in August 1972, India and Pakistan settled the Shimla agreement.

Under the agreement, India agreed to release the 93,000 Pakistani prisoners-of-war. The agreement was later criticised for failing to negotiate on India’s conflict with Pakistan over Kashmir. Critics had said that India could have held the Pakistani troops as a negotiation chip to get its way.

Latest Updates on Vijay Diwas

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Vijay Diwas is a day to mark India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which resulted in the division of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Pakistan (now Pakistan)

Updated On: 16 Dec 2024 | 11:03 AM IST

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Vijay Diwas is an occasion to honor national unity, patriotism, and the power of the Indian military. So on this special day, you may want to wish your near and dear ones with special messages

Updated On: 16 Dec 2024 | 12:33 PM IST

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Updated On: 12 Dec 2024 | 5:21 PM IST

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Vijay Diwas is celebrated on December 16 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war

Updated On: 16 Dec 2023 | 1:08 PM IST

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Vijay Diwas marks India's decisive victory over Pakistan which led to the liberation of Bangladesh

Updated On: 16 Dec 2022 | 11:51 AM IST

Rajnath lays wreath at National War Memorial on occasion of Vijay Diwas

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday laid wreath at the National War Memorial on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, commemorating India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War

Updated On: 16 Dec 2022 | 10:34 AM IST

Prez Murmu recalls courage, sacrifice of armed forces on Vijay Diwas

President Droupadi Murmu said the nation remembers with gratitude the exceptional valour displayed by the country's armed forces during the 1971 war

Updated On: 16 Dec 2022 | 10:23 AM IST

Defence Minister Singh issues commemorative stamp on 50th Vijay Diwas

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday issued a commemorative stamp on the occasion of Swarnim Vijay Diwas

Updated On: 16 Dec 2021 | 12:10 PM IST

Vice President Naidu hails valour of Indian armed forces during 1971 War

On the 50th anniversary of Vijay Diwas, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday paid tributes to the valour and unwavering patriotism displayed by the Indian armed forces during the 1971 War.

Updated On: 16 Dec 2021 | 11:26 AM IST

Rahul Gandhi pays tributes to Kargil martyrs on Vijay Diwas

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday paid tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the Kargil War, and said the country will always remember their supreme sacrifice.

Updated On: 26 Jul 2021 | 10:02 AM IST

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PM hails armed forces for India's victory in 1971 war against Pakistan

December 16 is observed as Vijay Diwas, when India defeated Pakistan in war.

Updated On: 16 Dec 2019 | 11:10 AM IST

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1971 war: The story of India's victory, Pak's surrender, Bangladesh freedom

The Indian Army brought Pakistani army to its knees, took 93,000 Pakistani prisoners and gave 75 million people of Bangladesh their independence

Updated On: 16 Dec 2018 | 11:49 AM IST

Nation pays tribute to bravehearts of 1971 Indo-Pak war on Vijay Diwas

Special programmes are being organised at headquarters of Eastern Command in Kolkata to celebrate the day

Updated On: 16 Dec 2016 | 9:41 AM IST