Bangladesh delegation to join India's Vijay Diwas commemorations

India will begin commemorations for Vijay Diwas this week, marking the country's victory in the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. The annual observance falls on 16 December, the day 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered in 1971 in what India describes as the largest military capitulation since the Second World War.

Indian Army Major General Vanguru Raghu confirmed the matter at a press conference at the Eastern Command headquarters, Fort William (Vijay Durg), yesterday (7 December).

A 20-member delegation from Bangladesh is scheduled to visit India's eastern region on 15–16 December. The group includes two serving Bangladesh Army officers, eight freedom fighters, and accompanying family members. They are expected to attend a Military Tattoo on 15 December and a wreath-laying ceremony at Vijay Smarak in Vijay Durg, led by West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on 16 December.

Every year, a delegation from the Indian Army's Eastern Command travels to Bangladesh to celebrate Victory Day. In return, a team from the Bangladesh Army visits Kolkata to attend the ceremony at Fort William. This annual exchange strengthens the military relations and historic ties between the two countries. 

The Eastern Command of the Indian Army has already concluded activities associated with the commemoration. Its annual motorcycle expedition, the Vijay Rally 2025 – "Ride for Valour," began on 1 December in Guwahati and covered more than 1,350 km before ending at Vijay Smarak in Vijay Durg. Along the route, participants paid tribute at multiple war memorials through wreath-laying ceremonies.

The rally's completion marks the formal start of the 2025 Vijay Diwas celebrations, held from 14–16 December. The Eastern Command has also conducted a curtain-raiser event at Vijay Durg ahead of the observances.