New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to the Indian forces on Friday, on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, which commemorates India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 War.

President Murmu remembered the “exceptional valour” displayed by the armed forces. “On Vijay Diwas, we remember with gratitude the exceptional valour displayed by our armed forces during the 1971 war. Stories of their unparalleled courage and sacrifice for the nation continue to inspire every Indian,” she tweeted.

Vice-President Dhankhar said, “On Vijay Diwas, I join the nation in remembering the bravery and sacrifice of our armed forces, who led to our triumph in the 1971 war. I pay my tributes to the martyrs, who lost their lives in the service of our nation.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the nation will always be indebted to the soldiers for their role in keeping the country safe and secure.

“On Vijay Diwas, I pay homage to all those brave armed forces personnel who ensured India attained an exceptional win in the 1971 war. Our nation will always be indebted to the armed forces for their role in keeping the country safe and secure,” PM Modi tweeted.

“Today, on Vijay Diwas, the Nation salutes the exemplary courage, bravery and sacrifice of India’s Armed Forces,” Defence minister Rajnath Singh said.

“The 1971 war was the triumph of humanity over inhumanity, virtue over misconduct and justice over injustice. India is proud of its Armed Forces,” he added.

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.