India and Bangladesh Exchange War Veterans to Mark 54th Vijay Diwas and Liberation War
To commemorate the enduring bond forged in blood and sacrifice, India and Bangladesh have once again exchanged delegations of war heroes to celebrate the 54th anniversary of the Liberation War of 1971. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka confirmed that both nations have continued their annual tradition of inviting serving officers and veterans to participate in each other’s victory celebrations.
On December 14, a distinguished group from Bangladesh, including eight courageous Muktijoddhas (freedom fighters) and two serving officers, arrived in India to join the Vijay Diwas festivities in Kolkata. In a reciprocal gesture, a delegation of eight Indian War Veterans and two serving officers landed in Dhaka on December 15 to take part in the victory celebrations across the border.
According to the High Commission, these reciprocal visits serve as a vital platform to honor the unique friendship between the two neighbors. The exchange renews memories of the Liberation War, symbolizing the shared struggle against oppression and the joint sacrifices made by the Indian Armed Forces and the Mukti Bahini to secure Bangladesh's freedom.
Leaders Pay Tribute to Fallen Heroes
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to honor the soldiers who secured the historic victory. He emphasized that Vijay Diwas is a salute to the "steadfast resolve and selfless service" of the armed forces.
"Their heroism continues to inspire generations of Indians," PM Modi remarked, highlighting how the 1971 victory remains a moment of immense pride in Indian history.
President Droupadi Murmu also offered her humble respects to the "brave sons of Mother India." In her tribute, she connected the spirit of 1971 to modern strategic achievements, referencing "Operation Sindoor" and the army’s push for self-reliance through indigenization. She noted that the devotion displayed by the troops has always filled the nation with pride.
A Decisive Victory
The Indian Army described the date not merely as a calendar event, but as a symbol of a decisive triumph that redrew the map of South Asia. Through an official statement, the Army recalled how Indian troops and the Mukti Bahini fought shoulder-to-shoulder to end the atrocities committed by the Pakistani military.
The conflict concluded with one of the world's largest military surrenders, where approximately 93,000 Pakistani soldiers laid down their arms in just 13 days, birthing the new nation of Bangladesh.
