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Vijay Diwas : India’s Historic Victory in the 1971 War

ByAjay Gulia

Vijay Diwas is observed every year on 16 December to mark India’s historic victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh. The war began on 3 December 1971 and lasted only 13 days, making it one of the shortest and most decisive wars in history.

The conflict arose from a severe humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan, where atrocities forced millions of refugees to flee into India. Responding to this crisis, India intervened. On 16 December 1971, Pakistan’s Eastern Command, led by General A.A.K. Niazi, surrendered unconditionally along with 93,000 troops to the Indian Armed Forces and the Mukti Bahini—one of the largest military surrenders since World War II.

The victory resulted in the creation of Bangladesh and significantly altered South Asian geopolitics. Vijay Diwas symbolizes India’s military strength, strategic leadership, and humanitarian commitment.

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