New Delhi: As India is commemorating the anniversary of the 1971 War today (December 16) as Vijay Diwas, the Indian Air Force takes to X (formerly Twitter) to share photos of the war in which India had a stellar victor over Pakistan. The photographs shared on the social media also includes Pakistan’s then Lt Gen Niazi signing the surrender document.
The post gave insight into the lethal air campaign launched by the Indian Air Force in the 13-day war. The Air Force had carried out over 2,000 offensive missions in the Western Sector and 2,000 sorties in the Eastern theatre.
This day that Year
Vijay Diwas: The IAF’s Decisive Role in a Historic Victory
The Indo-Pak War of 1971 concluded on 16 December 1971 with the unconditional surrender by Lt Gen AAK Niazi, marking the birth of an independent Bangladesh. This historic moment was achieved through… pic.twitter.com/yoL5gmB0hb
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 16, 2024
Lt Gen Niazi had stated that it was the IAF’s dominance that led to Pakistan’s surrender. “The IAF’s dominance in the skies was so impactful that, when questioned about his surrender despite having a largely intact army, Gen Niazi pointed to the IAF insignia on an officer’s uniform and remarked, ‘Because of this—you, the Indian Air Force,’” the post read.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also posted about Vijay Diwas. He lauded the role played by hundreds of soldiers in securing the win. “Today, on Vijay Diwas, we honour the courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India’s historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve safeguarded our nation and brought glory to us,” PM Modi wrote on X.
#VijayDiwas marks the Decisive Victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan in the 1971 War, a triumph that reshaped India’s military history and gave birth to a new nation; #Bangladesh, while ending Pakistan’s relentless oppression and brutality on a people.
In just 13… pic.twitter.com/OAvanj8EPD
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 16, 2024
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid wreath at the National War Memorial, on the occasion.
#WATCH | Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lays wreath at the National War Memorial, on the occasion of #VijayDiwas
Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year across the country on December 16 to commemorate the victory of the Indian armed forces in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. pic.twitter.com/emqDcCNeRf
— ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2024
