Debate Sparks Over Indian Leaders’ Victory Day Posts Omitting Bangladesh

Discussion has emerged around social media posts made by India’s top two political leaders on Victory Day, as neither mentioned Bangladesh or the core context of its independence.

On Tuesday (December 16), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi referred to the 1971 war as India’s victory in separate messages, but neither post acknowledged Bangladesh by name.

On December 16, 1971, Bangladesh achieved independence through the surrender of the Pakistani occupation forces after a nine-month-long bloody Liberation War. In the final phase of the war, the Indian armed forces joined the Bangladeshi freedom fighters. For this reason, India also observes the day as its own “Vijay Diwas” (Victory Day). Historically, however, the primary victory belongs to Bangladesh, as this was the day an independent Bangladeshi state was born.

In a Facebook post marking Victory Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, “On Vijay Diwas, we remember our brave soldiers whose courage and sacrifice ensured a historic victory for India in 1971.” He added that their determination and selfless service remain a glorious chapter in India’s history and continue to inspire generations. The post did not mention Bangladesh even once.

On the same day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also referred to the 1971 war in a post on social media platform X. He wrote, “On Vijay Diwas, I pay tribute to the heroes of our armed forces who, with bravery, dedication, and unwavering resolve, made history while defending India’s borders during the 1971 war.” His statement likewise did not specify where the war took place or against whom it was fought.

Earlier, the Indian Army marked Victory Day in a separate post, acknowledging the bravery of the Bangladeshi freedom fighters. The post stated that Indian soldiers fought shoulder to shoulder with the Mukti Bahini and that the war reshaped the map of South Asia, leading to the birth of a new state—Bangladesh. However, the absence of this historical context in the recent posts by political leaders has drawn renewed attention.

Historically, the Liberation War began on March 25, 1971, when Pakistani forces launched a brutal crackdown on the people of Bangladesh. For nine months, the war was primarily fought by Bangladeshi freedom fighters. India formally joined the conflict as part of a joint force on December 3, 1971, and the Pakistani military surrendered to the combined forces of Bangladesh and India. In light of these facts, many observers view the omission of Bangladesh’s name in Victory Day messages as an incomplete presentation of history.