Vijay Diwas 2025: Nation Salutes Heroes of 1971 Victory

President leads tributes, inaugurates Param Vir Dirgha; top leadership recalls valour of Armed Forces

  • President Droupadi Murmu leads nation in paying homage to 1971 war heroes
  • Param Vir Dirgha inaugurated at Rashtrapati Bhavan showcasing all 21 PVC awardees
  • PM Modi, Vice-President and Raksha Mantri hail courage, discipline and sacrifice of soldiers
  • Armed Forces’ self-reliance and strategic resolve lauded as inspiration for future generations

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 16th Dec: India marked Vijay Diwas on December 16, 2025, commemorating the historic victory in the 1971 war, with the nation’s top leadership paying rich tributes to the bravehearts whose valour and sacrifice reshaped the subcontinent’s history.

President Smt Droupadi Murmu, in a message on X, led the nation in remembering the soldiers whose courage, devotion and patriotism brought glory to India. She said the Armed Forces’ focus on empowerment through indigenisation reflects their preparedness for future challenges. Referring to Operation Sindoor, the President noted that self-reliance, strategic resolve and the effective use of modern warfare techniques demonstrated by the Indian Armed Forces continue to inspire the entire nation.

On the occasion, the President inaugurated the Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a dedicated gallery displaying portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees. The Dirgha aims to educate citizens about India’s highest military honour and the unconquerable spirit of the heroes who defended the nation. The President also felicitated Param Vir Chakra awardees and their next of kin. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, and other senior dignitaries were present.

Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, in his tribute, said the 1971 war reaffirmed India’s commitment to justice and freedom and showcased the unmatched professionalism of the Army, Navy and Air Force working in seamless coordination.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, remembering the brave soldiers of 1971, said their steadfast resolve and selfless service protected the nation and etched a moment of pride in India’s history. He described Vijay Diwas as a salute to their valour and a reminder of their unmatched spirit that continues to inspire generations.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and paid homage to the fallen heroes. He said the decisive victory of 1971 reflected flawless coordination among the three Services and asserted India’s strategic resolve. According to him, the valour, discipline and combat spirit of the Armed Forces continue to strengthen the nation’s will.

Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs also laid wreaths and paid tributes, as the nation united in gratitude and pride on Vijay Diwas 2025.