President Droupadi Murmu Leads Nation in Honouring Fallen Heroes on Vijay Diwas

New Delhi | December 16, 2025 President Droupadi Murmu paid heartfelt tributes to India’s brave soldiers on Monday as the nation observed Vijay Diwas, marking the historic victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 war. The day is remembered every year to honour the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the soldiers whose efforts led to a decisive military triumph and the creation of Bangladesh. In a message shared on social media platform X, President Murmu expressed deep respect for the soldiers who laid down their lives for the country. She said that the courage, valour, and unwavering devotion of India’s brave sons continue to fill the nation with pride. The President added that their heroism and patriotism will always inspire generations of Indians. President Murmu also highlighted the Indian Army’s focus on strengthening itself for future challenges. Referring to the Army’s “Empowerment through Indigenization” initiative, she said it reflects a strong commitment to self-reliance and preparedness. She noted that during Operation Sindoor, the Army demonstrated strategic resolve, modern warfare capabilities, and confidence in indigenous strength, setting an example for the entire nation. Extending her best wishes to soldiers and their families, she concluded her message with “Jai Hind.” On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, several senior leaders of the country also paid homage to the Armed Forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh remembered the bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers who fought in the 1971 war. Prime Minister Modi said Vijay Diwas serves as a reminder of the extraordinary courage and sacrifice shown by Indian soldiers, whose determination ensured a decisive victory in 1971. He described the day as a salute to their unmatched spirit and valour, which continues to inspire the nation even today. The Prime Minister noted that the legacy of the 1971 victory remains a source of pride for every Indian. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan recalled that on December 16, 1971, the Indian Armed Forces achieved a historic victory against Pakistan, leading to the formation of an independent Bangladesh. He said the war reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the region and reaffirmed India’s commitment to justice, freedom, and humanitarian values. Paying tribute on the 54th Vijay Diwas, he honoured the brave soldiers who put the nation above personal safety and comfort. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the victory of 1971 was achieved through unmatched courage and precise military strategy. He noted that the surrender of the Pakistani army was a defining moment that stood as a shield against injustice and oppression. According to him, the victory showcased India’s military strength and sent a powerful message to the world about defending humanity and standing for truth. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the nation bows in pride and gratitude to the Armed Forces for their decisive role in the 1971 war. He highlighted the flawless coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, which helped reshape history and assert India’s strategic resolve. Singh said the discipline, courage, and fighting spirit of the forces continue to strengthen the country’s national will. Rajnath Singh also remembered Param Vir Chakra awardee 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal on his Balidan Diwas. He recalled the young officer’s supreme sacrifice and exceptional bravery during the 1971 war, describing his courage as a timeless inspiration for the nation. Vijay Diwas, observed every year on December 16, commemorates India’s victory in the 1971 war and honours the Armed Forces for their courage and sacrifice. As the nation remembers its heroes, the day stands as a reminder of the price of freedom and the unwavering spirit of those who defend the country. President Droupadi Murmu Leads Nation in Honouring Fallen Heroes on Vijay Diwas India remembered its brave soldiers on Vijay Diwas as President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice that led to the historic victory in the 1971 war. Observed every year on December 16, Vijay Diwas marks India’s decisive triumph and honours the Armed Forces for their role in shaping the nation’s history. In a post on X, President Murmu expressed her deepest respect for the soldiers who gave everything for the country. She said their courage, valour and unmatched devotion to the motherland continue to fill the nation with pride and will always inspire generations of Indians. The President also highlighted the Indian Army’s focus on self-reliance and preparedness through its “Empowerment through Indigenization” initiative. Referring to Operation Sindoor, she said the Army showed strategic strength, modern warfare skills and confidence in indigenous capability. She extended her best wishes to all soldiers and their families and ended her message with “Jai Hind.” Several top leaders joined in paying homage on the occasion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Vijay Diwas is a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers whose determination ensured India’s victory in 1971. He described the day as a salute to their unmatched spirit that continues to inspire the nation. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan recalled December 16, 1971, when the Indian Armed Forces achieved a decisive victory that led to the creation of Bangladesh and reshaped the region’s history. He said the war reflected India’s commitment to justice and freedom and honoured the bravehearts who put the nation above all else. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the 1971 victory, achieved through courage and strategy, forced the surrender of the Pakistani army and stood as a strong message against injustice. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the Army, Navy and Air Force worked in perfect coordination to achieve the historic win. He also remembered Param Vir Chakra awardee 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal on his Balidan Diwas, calling his sacrifice a timeless inspiration.