Day to remember bravery of army, courageous leadership of Indira Gandhi: Congress on Vijay Diwas

'Under the visionary, courageous, and resolute leadership of Smt. Indira Gandhi, this victory became a great example of humanity and justice,' the Mallikarjun Kharge chief said.

New Delhi: The Congress on Tuesday lauded the armed forces on Vijay Diwas, the day the Indian Army defeated Pakistan in the 1971 War, saying today is a day to remember the bravery and military prowess of our army and the able and courageous leadership of Indira Gandhi.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge hailed Indira Gandhi for her visionary leadership and said the victory became a great example of humanity and justice.

"On this day in 1971, history was made when India's valiant armed forces decisively defeated Pakistan, liberating Bangladesh and reshaping the world map," Kharge said in a post in Hindi on X.

"Under the visionary, courageous, and resolute leadership of Smt. Indira Gandhi, this victory became a great example of humanity and justice," the Congress chief said.

"We pay our deepest respects to the unparalleled courage, valor, and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces and the Mukti Bahini. A grateful nation will forever remember the sacrifice and dedication of these brave sons of Mother India," Kharge said.

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi hailed the heroes of the armed forces

"On Vijay Diwas, I salute the heroes of our armed forces who, through their valor, dedication, and unwavering resolve, created history by defending India's borders during the 1971 war," he said in a post in Hindi on X.

"Their indomitable courage, struggle, and supreme sacrifice will forever be a source of inspiration for every Indian," the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi said that on this very day, our army set an example of valour and courage, bringing glory to the nation.

"In 1971, our army gave a befitting reply to the war imposed upon us and achieved victory by forcing the Pakistani army to surrender. This historic victory not only strengthened India's integrity but also established India's power on the global stage," she said in a post in Hindi on X.

"Today is a day to remember the bravery and military prowess of our army and the able and courageous leadership of Mrs. Indira Gandhi. We pay homage to the martyrs and all the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for India's victory," she said.

The Congress, from its official X handle, said this day in 1971, the Indian Armed Forces, through their unmatched valour, crushed Pakistan's aggression, leading to the liberation of Bangladesh.

"On Vijay Diwas, we salute the brave sons of Bharat Mata, whose exceptional courage and supreme sacrifice won India the 1971 war," the party said.

Vijay Diwas is celebrated on December 16 every year to honour the soldiers who fought in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which culminated in the surrender of Pakistan's Army.

Around 93,000 Pakistani soldiers, led by General A A Khan Niazi, laid down their arms in what was one of the largest surrenders seen since World War II.