Vijay Diwas

Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on 16th December to commemorate India’s victory in the 1971 India-Pakistan war and the emergence of Bangladesh as a new nation.

What is Vijay Diwas?

Vijay Diwas is a national remembrance day observed annually on 16th December. It signifies the role of the Indian Armed Forces in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 and their military victory over Pakistan.

This day paved the way for the creation of Bangladesh as a new nation. In the 1971 war, Pakistan’s forces surrendered, marking one of the largest defeats in military history.

The 1971 India-Pakistan War and the Bangladesh Liberation Struggle

Background:

1. Geographical and Cultural Divide:
   • After India’s independence, Pakistan was divided into two parts (East Pakistan and West Pakistan).
   • The geographical distance and cultural differences between the two regions posed major challenges.
2. Linguistic Conflict:
   • Most people in East Pakistan spoke Bengali, whereas West Pakistan wanted to impose Urdu as the official language.
   • The 1948 decision to declare Urdu as the national language led to widespread protests in East Pakistan.
3. Economic Inequality:
   • East Pakistan significantly contributed to the nation’s economy, but its benefits were enjoyed only by West Pakistan.
   • This inequality became a major cause of dissatisfaction in East Pakistan.
4. Political Crisis:
   • In the 1970 general elections, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s party, the Awami League, gained a majority in East Pakistan.
   • However, the West Pakistani government refused to transfer power, leading to political instability and intensification of the independence movement.
5. Oppressive Actions: In March 1971, the Pakistani army launched “Operation Searchlight,” committing widespread atrocities and killing millions of innocent people.

India’s Role:

1. Humanitarian Crisis and Refugee Problem:
   • Due to the violence by the Pakistani army, millions of refugees fled to India (West Bengal, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya).
   • This humanitarian crisis and regional instability prompted India to support East Pakistan’s independence movement.
2. India’s Efforts on International Platforms:
   • Prime Minister Indira Gandhi raised the refugee crisis and Pakistan’s atrocities on global platforms.
   • With slow responses from the international community, India decided to take independent action.
3. Military and Strategic Support:
   • India provided training, weapons, and military planning to the Mukti Bahini (Bangladesh Liberation Forces).
   • Under “Operation Jackpot” on 15 May 1971, Mukti Bahini was organized and strengthened.
4. Start of the War:
   • On 3 December 1971, Pakistan attacked Indian airbases.
   • In response, India launched full-scale military action, which lasted 13 days.

Pakistan’s Surrender and Vijay Diwas:

1. 16 December 1971:
   • In Dhaka, 93,000 Pakistani soldiers unconditionally surrendered to the Indian Army and Mukti Bahini.
   • This was the largest military surrender since World War II.
2. Birth of Bangladesh:
   • The war established Bangladesh as an independent nation.
   • It was a historic moment in South Asian history.
   • The 1971 war lasted only 13 days, making it one of the shortest and most decisive wars in history.

Major Military Operations:

1. Operation Vijay: A military campaign by the Indian Armed Forces to liberate East Pakistan and protect its people from Pakistani army atrocities.
2. Support to Mukti Bahini: India organized and strengthened Mukti Bahini, enabling them to fight effectively.
3. Strategic Military Operations: The Indian Army executed coordinated operations on land, air, and sea.
4. Battle of Longewala:
   • At the Longewala post in Rajasthan, 120 Indian soldiers halted 2,000 Pakistani soldiers and tanks.
   • On 5 December 1971, the Indian Air Force inflicted heavy losses on the Pakistani army.
5. Operation Trident: On the night of 4-5 December 1971, the Indian Navy attacked Karachi port, causing significant damage to Pakistan’s naval assets.
6. Operation Python: Following Operation Trident, the Indian Navy targeted the remaining Pakistani naval ships at Karachi port.

Significance of Victory for India:

1. Diplomatic Success:
   • India played an active role in resolving a major humanitarian crisis during the Bangladesh Liberation War.
   • This effort earned India widespread recognition and respect on the global stage.
2. Stability in South Asia:
   • The creation of Bangladesh helped end political and social unrest in South Asia.
   • This victory was a significant step toward ensuring stability and security in the region.
3. Strategic Achievement:
   • The war demonstrated India’s military capability, strategic efficiency, and coordination among the three armed forces.
   • It was instrumental in establishing India as a regional power.
4. Emergence as a Regional Power:
   • India’s victory was a milestone from a geopolitical perspective.
   • It established India as a responsible and capable regional power.
5. Global Recognition: India’s efforts enhanced its reputation on the international stage, earning it recognition as a strategic and moral leader.

India-Bangladesh Relations Post-Independence:

India’s Immediate Support:

1. India recognized Bangladesh’s independence in December 1971 and established diplomatic relations.
2. Member states of the United Nations also quickly acknowledged Bangladesh’s independent identity.

Defense Cooperation:

• India and Bangladesh share a 4,096.7 km border, the longest border India shares with any neighboring country.
• The states of Assam, West Bengal, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Tripura share borders with Bangladesh.
• Both countries conduct joint military exercises:
  • Army Exercise: Sampriti
  • Naval Exercise: Milan
• Economic Relations:
  • In 2021-22, Bangladesh is India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, and India is Bangladesh’s second largest trading partner in Asia.
  • In FY 2023-24, Bangladesh exported goods worth US$1.97 billion to India. Total trade between the two countries stood at US$14.01 billion during the same period.

Major Challenges in Relations:

1. Teesta River Water Dispute: The unresolved issue of Teesta river water sharing remains a cause of tension between the two countries.
2. Border Firing Incidents:
   • Incidents of firing on Bangladeshi civilians at the border have strained relations.
   • These events often occur when Bangladeshi civilians try to cross into India illegally.
3. Chinese Influence:
   • Despite India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy,” China’s influence in the region has grown.
   • Bangladesh is an active participant in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Current India-Bangladesh Relations:

• Student movement and government’s strictness: Students started peaceful protests against 30% reservation in government jobs to freedom fighters in 2023. Government’s strictness, curfew, shoot-to-kill orders and steps like calling students ‘rajakar’ sparked the movement across the country.
• Economic decline: Bangladesh made rapid economic progress during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. Per capita income tripled in the last 10 years, and 25 million people came out of poverty in 20 years. But the 2020 pandemic and global recession badly affected the garment industry. This led to increased unemployment, inflation and public discontent.
• Weak democratic system: The elections of 2014, 2018 and 2024 were disputed due to violence, low voter turnout and opposition boycott. This weakened democratic values.
• Economic inequality and corruption: Rapidly growing bank scams, rising debt and corruption caused public resentment. Many big companies like CLC Power and Western Marine Shipyard fell into huge debts.

Significance of Vijay Diwas:

1. Tribute to Brave Soldiers:
   • Vijay Diwas is a day to pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
   • The sacrifices of these brave soldiers are remembered with respect and gratitude.
2. Victory of Democracy and Freedom:
   • The 1971 India-Pakistan war resulted in the creation of Bangladesh as a new independent nation.
   • It symbolizes the restoration of the principles of democracy, freedom, and human rights.
3. Symbol of India’s Military Strength:
   • Vijay Diwas showcases India’s military power and strategic expertise.
   • It reminds us of India’s ability to handle geopolitical challenges effectively.
4. Humanitarian Role: It represents India’s humanitarian role and active support in protecting the rights of Bangladeshi citizens.

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