Prime Minister Narendra Modi was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the National War Memorial. Immediately after that Modi on social media recalled the sacrifices made by the bravehearts of the Indian Armed Forces. Pic/PTI

Singh joined the nation in remembering the courage, valour and sacrifice of the Armed Forces during the 1971 war on the occasion of 'Swarnim Vijay Diwas'. Singh along with Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, Army Chief General M.M. Naravane and Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, released a coffee table book titled ‘The 1971 War: An Illustrated History’. Pic/PTI

Swarnim Vijay Varsh is being celebrated to mark 50 years of India's victory in 1971 war. The aim is to spread the message of unity, nationalism and pride among people in general and Armed Forces in particular, in addition to showing respect to the veterans who participated in the war. Pic/PTI

President Ram Nath Kovind, who is on his maiden state visit to neighbouring Bangladesh, participated in 50th Victory Day celebrations in Dhaka. The President has been invited to the celebration as "guest of honour" by Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid. Pic/PTI

General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Command Manoj Pande (C) pays tribute to martyrs on the occasion of 'Vijay Diwas' at Vijay Smarak in Kolkata. Pic/PTI

Parliament on Thursday paid tributes to Bangladeshi freedom fighters and Indian armed forces on the 50th anniversary of Vijay Diwas, which celebrates India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war that led to the liberation of Bangladesh. Pic/PTI

Indian national flags flutter during a breeze as storks fly in a V-formation in the sky above, in New Delhi, Thursday. This year marks 50 years of India's victory in the 1971 war and formation of Bangladesh. Pic/PTI