Vijay Diwas

Why in News?

• 16th December is observed by Indian Armed Forces and Bangladesh as Vijay Diwas (Bijoy Dibos) every year to mark India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war and the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation

Highlights

• On 15 May 1971, India launched Operation Jackpot to recruit, train, arm, equip, supply and advise Mukti Bahini fighters engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Pakistan military.
• On 3rd December 1971, India decided to go on a war with Pakistan to save Bengali Muslims and Hindus in East Pakistan. The war lasted for 13 days.
• After that, a written agreement between India, Pakistan and the provisional government of Bangladesh came into effect bringing an end to the Bangladesh Liberation War.
• 51 years ago, on 16th December, the largest surrender of military personnel took place since the end of World War II.
• The chief of the Pakistani forces surrendered unconditionally to the Indian Army and Mukti Bahini in Dhaka.
• Victory Day celebrations are of importance to not only Bangladesh but also marks a special occasion celebrated across India which bears testimony to the pivotal role of the Indian military and its contribution to the war.
• India was one of the first countries to recognize Bangladesh and establish diplomatic relations immediately after its independence in December 1971.
• The UN member nations were also quick to recognise Bangladesh’s independent identity.
• Despite the remarkable progress, the unresolved Teesta water sharing issue looms large.
• The problem of Bangladeshi civilians being shooted at the border has also dented relations; these shootings occur as many Bangladeshi people try to illegally migrate into India.
• Despite its ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’, India has been losing its influence in the region to China; Bangladesh is an active partner of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).