Delhi, December 11: Vijay Diwas is commemorated on December 16 in India to remember and honour the heroism of the nation's soldiers every year. It celebrates India’ victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. The day is also celebrated in Bangladesh as Bijoy Diwas on same date. This day depicts India's bravest soldiers' valour, unshakable courage, commitment and sacrifice.

The day also established the prowess of the Indian Armed Forces including the Army, Air Force and Navy. East Pakistan Debacle in 1971 A 'Military Failure', Says Pak Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardar

Vijay Diwas 2022: History

The history of Vijay Diwas goes all the way back to 1971 when India won the war against Pakistan. The war started on December 3 and ended 13 days later on December 16 with the unconditional surrender of the Pakistan army. The surrender process started on 16 December 1971 and around 93,000 Pakistani forces had surrendered at that time. The signing of the ‘Instrument Of Surrender' by Pakistan Army Major-General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi to the Indian Army and Bangladesh's Mukti Bahini was a defining image which recognised India as one of the regional powers.  Indian Navy Day 2022: Remembering India's Operation Trident Which Destroyed Karachi Port During Indo-Pakistani War of 1971

The conflict was a result of the Bangladesh Liberation War following West Pakistan's ill-treatment of the people and undermining of the election results in East Pakistan. East Pakistan then launched the appeal for separation on March 26, 1971. After that, the than Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi indicated his willingness to assist Bangladesh in its fight for independence.

Vijay Diwas 2022: Significance

The day is significant in the history of India as the war was introduced as the refugees flooded into the eastern provinces of India. This war is considered a historical war for India. That is why December 16 is celebrated as 'Vijay Diwas' to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan across the country. It is said that in the war of 1971, about 3,900 Indian soldiers were martyred and about 9,851 were injured. In this war, Pakistan suffered the maximum casualty with about 8,000 dead and 25,000 wounded.

The Defence Minister of India and the leaders of the three wings of the Indian Armed Forces, Army, Air Force and Navy, pay respect to the soldiers at India Gate's Amar Jawan Jyoti on this day.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 15, 2022 01:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).