New Delhi: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday laid a wreath at the National War Memorial on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, commemorating India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971 war.

Singh along with Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, paid homage to the armed forces personnel who fought courageously in the 1971 war and laid down their lives in service to the nation.

Visited the War Memorial on Vijay Diwas today. Paid homage to Indian Armed Forces personnel who courageously fought in the 1971 War and laid down their lives in service to the nation. pic.twitter.com/7hhE9SzZ9i

— Rajnath Singh (मोदी का परिवार) (@rajnathsingh) December 16, 2022

---Advertisement---

In his message in the visitors’ book, the defence minister wrote: “The nation will remain indebted to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice while protecting the sovereignty of the nation. We will continue to move forward in the path of development with their ideals and values,” as per the defence ministry release.

Earlier, in a tweet, Rajnath described 1971 war as the triumph of humanity over inhumanity, virtue over misconduct and justice over injustice.

Today, on Vijay Diwas, the Nation salutes the exemplary courage, bravery and sacrifice of India’s Armed Forces. The 1971 war was the triumph of humanity over inhumanity, virtue over misconduct and justice over injustice. India is proud of its Armed Forces.

— Rajnath Singh (मोदी का परिवार) (@rajnathsingh) December 16, 2022

In his message, MoS Ajay Bhatt wrote: “The defeat of Pakistan in the war and the liberation of Bangladesh is testimony to India’s commitment to upholding the values of freedom and democracy”.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan wrote: “May our Armed Forces continue to bring greater success and glory to our motherland and contribute indefatigably towards nation building”.

Vijay Diwas is observed on December 16 to commemorate India’s win over Pakistan in the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh as a sovereign country.

Nearly, 93,000 soldiers of the Pakistan Army laid down their arms before the Indian forces, resulting in the liberation of Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan.