New Delhi: The nation on Monday (December 16) celebrates Vijay Diwas to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in 1971 war. 

Rich tributes were paid to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the war across the nation. It was on this day in 1971, the chief of the Pakistani forces, General AA Khan Niazi, along with more than 90,000 troops, surrendered unconditionally to the allied forces consisting of Indian Army and Mukti Bahini.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cherished the courage and bravery of Indian soldiers and said that the history created by Indian Armed Forces would remain inscribed in golden letters.

"I bow in reverence to the bravery, courage and valour of Indian soldiers. The history that was made by our Armed Forces in 1971 war will remain inscribed in golden letters," PM Narendra Modi tweeted.

Vijay Diwas is commemorated every year on December 16 to mark India's victory over Pakistan in Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 that led to the liberation of Bangladesh, then East Pakistan.

According to reports, a wreath-laying ceremony would be held at "Vijay Smarak" at Fort William the Headquarters of Eastern Command. 

Eastern Command was at the forefront of the war. It organised a three-day event in Kolkata beginning from December 14. During this period several events were held to commemorate the epic victory.

'Vijay Divas' is a day for remembering brave Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for a noble cause and also a day for taking pledged to save our homeland from any possible attack of external enemies.