On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday remembered soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who lost their lives during the 1971 India-Pakistan War.

“On Vijay Diwas, we remember with gratitude our Armed Forces who defended our nation and upheld universal values of human liberty in 1971. In particular, we pay tributes to those who lost their lives in that valiant effort,” the President tweeted.

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On Vijay Diwas, we remember with gratitude our Armed Forces who defended our nation and upheld universal values of human liberty in 1971. In particular, we pay tribute to those who lost their lives in that valiant effort #PresidentKovind

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— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 16, 2018

Paying homage, the Prime Minister said in a tweet: “We remember the indomitable spirit of the brave soldiers who fought in 1971. Their unwavering courage and patriotism ensured our country is safe. Their service will always inspire every Indian.”

Today on #VijayDiwas, we remember the indomitable spirit of the brave soldiers who fought in 1971. Their unwavering courage and patriotism ensured our country is safe. Their service will always inspire every Indian.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2018

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also remembered the soldiers of the Indian Army.

“On #VijayDiwas I salute the brave soldiers of the Indian Army who fought valiantly in the 1971 war and defeated the Pakistan Army. Jai Hind,” she tweeted.

On #VijayDiwas I salute the brave soldiers of the Indian Army who fought valiantly in the 1971 war and defeated the Pakistan Army. Jai Hind

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 16, 2018

Vijay Diwas (Victory Day) is celebrated every year on December 16 in India to mark the anniversary of victory of Indian forces over Pakistan in Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

On 16 December 1971, nearly 93,000 Pakistani soldiers had raised white flags and surrendered to the Indian Army.

The victory followed the creation of Bangladesh (then East Pakistan).

Also on the occasion, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with service chiefs laid a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti in remembrance.

Amar Jawan Jyoti is a memorial constructed after the war to commemorate the fallen soldiers.

In a tweet, Sitharaman said: “Interacted with veterans, purva sainik who had come to pay respects at the Amar Jawan Jyoti on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. Welcomed them to the Defence Minister of India office for an interaction.”

On the occasion of #VijayDiwas , Smt @nsitharaman, along with the Service Chiefs, lays a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, paying homage to those who have sacrificed their lives to protect the honour of the nation.

Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/zYDiwBDxm5

— Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) December 16, 2018

“December 16, 1971, one of the shortest wars (13 days), one of the biggest surrenders. We pay tribute to the valour of Indian Military and Mukti Jodhas, who made this historic military victory possible,” Defence Spokesperson tweeted.