As India marks 52 years of Vijay Diwas, here is a look back significance of the historic day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other dignitaries, honored the valiant individuals who contributed to India's success in the 1971 Kargil War.On the occassion of vijay diwas their tributes commemorate the decisive victory achieved by India.  

History 

In 1971, a brief but significant conflict took place between India and Pakistan, known as the Indo-Pakistani War. This military confrontation unfolded during the Bangladesh Liberation War in East Pakistan, spanning from December 3 to December 16, 1971. The conflict was triggered by preemptive aerial strikes, known as Operation Chengiz Khan, launched by Pakistan on 11 Indian air stations. This led to hostilities, prompting India to join the war in support of Bengali nationalist forces seeking independence in East Pakistan. The entire episode lasted only 13 days, making it one of the shortest wars in history. Additionally, it became a crucial part of the broader nine-month-long Bangladesh Liberation War. 

Vijay Diwas:  Significance  

In December 1971, the Indian armed forces achieved a significant and historic triumph over the Pakistan Army, resulting in the birth of a new nation, Bangladesh. This victory marked the largest military surrender since World War II. On December 16, 2020, the nation commenced a 50th-anniversary celebration to honor this momentous event, aiming to highlight the Indian armed forces' success in the 14-day war. 

How the 1971 War between India and Pakistani unfolded: Key facts & figures 

War happened between India and Pakistan on both sides of the country. The argument ended when the Pakistani military in the east surrendered on December 16, 1971, in Dhaka. This led to the birth of a new country called Bangladesh. 

Before this, on March 26, 1971, East Pakistan officially said it wanted to be separate from Pakistan. The Indian Army captured about 90,000 to 93,000 Pakistani soldiers, including both military people and regular folks like family members or helpers. 

In Bangladesh, during the fight, about 300,000 to 3,000,000 people died because of the Pakistani military and those who supported them. Also, 8 to 10 million people left Bangladesh and went to India for safety. 

In the 1971 Bangladesh war for independence, about 200,000 to 400,000 Bangladeshi women and girls were raped by the Pakistani military and their helpers. 

The formal surrender happened in Dhaka on December 16, 1971, marking the conclusion of hostilities between Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora and Lieutenant-General A.A.K. Niazi. With the fall of Dhaka on December 15, 1971, India gained control over significant territories in Pakistan, and on December 17, Bangladesh declared its independence.