The nation celebrates Vijay Diwas today to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in 1971 war. Rich tributes are being paid to the martyrs who laid down their lives during the war.<br />''  <br />'' Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, he salutes the courage and valour of Indian soldiers. In a tweet today, Mr Modi said, the history created by Indian Army on this day in 1971 will always be engraved in the golden words.<br />''  <br />'' Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, India is proud of the Armed Forces who have defended the country in every situation. In his message, Mr Singh said the nation salutes the indomitable courage and valour of India's armed forces.<br />''  <br />'' Minister of State for Defence Shripad Yesso Naik, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh paid tributes at National War Memorial on the occasion of Vijay Diwas.<br />'' <br />'' On this day in 1971, the chief of the Pakistani forces, General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, along with 93 thousand troops, had surrendered unconditionally to the allied forces consisting of Indian Army and Mukti Bahini led by Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora in Dhaka after their defeat in the Liberation war. After the end of 14 day war resulted in subsequent secession of East Pakistan into Bangladesh.<br />'' <br />'' Today for the first time, Vijay Divas was celebrated at the National War Memorial. Special programmes are also being organised at the headquarters of the Eastern Command at the Fort William in Kolkata. A 71 member delegation of Mukti Jodhas led by Member of Parliament from Bangladesh Shahjahan Khan are attending the Vijay Diwas celebrations.<br />'' In West Bengal, a wreath laying ceremony was held at Vijay Smarak at Fort William the Headquarters of the Eastern Command in Kolkata this morning. A delegation of Mukti Joddhas from Bangladesh has arrived in the City to celebrate the occasion. Indian War Veterans are also taking part in the celebrations. AIR Kolkata Correspondent reports that Eastern Command has organized a three-day long programmes to mark the day. <br />''  

The nation is celebrating Vijay Diwas today, commemorating the victory of Indian Army over Pakistan in 1971 war. A number of ex-servicemen who fought in the war are participating in the celebrations across the country. This year's celebration marks the 46th anniversary of India's victory over its neighbour. On December 16, 1971, chief of Pakistani forces Lieutenant General AAK Niazi, along with 93 thousand troops, surrendered to the allied forces, comprising the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini, led by Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora, who was the Eastern Army Commander. On the occasion, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at Colaba Military Station in Mumbai this morning. <br/><br/>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has saluted the unflinching courage of all those who fought in the 1971 War and protected the nation diligently. In a tweet, on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, Mr Modi said, every Indian is proud of their heroism and service.