Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (16 December) paid tributes to the fallen soldiers on the 50th anniversary of the 1971 India-Pakistan war and lit up the 'Swarnim Vijay Mashaal' at the National War Memorial.

Four 'Victory Mashaals' lit from the Eternal Flame of the National War Memorial will now be carried to various parts of the country, including to villages of Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra awardees of the war.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who was also present at the venue, unveiled the logo for 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' to mark the anniversary of the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

On the occasion, President Ram Nath Kovind also paid tributes to the fallen heroes of 1971 and said that the nation is "eternally indebted to them".

"On Vijay Diwas, let us recall the valour of our soldiers that affirmed our nation’s unwavering commitment to defend our sovereignty and protect human dignity. Their martyrdom in 1971 war had shown unparalleled grit & prowess of our forces. The nation is eternally indebted to them," President Kovind said in a tweet.

In a tweet, Rajnath Singh said, "I salute the tradition of valor and courage of the Indian Army. I remember the bravery of the brave soldiers who wrote a new legend in the 1971 war. Their sacrifice is a source of inspiration for all Indians. This country will always remember them."

In December 1971, the Indian Armed Forces secured a decisive and historic Victory over the Pakistan Army, which led to creation of a Nation -- Bangladesh -- and also resulted in the largest military Surrender after World War-II. From December 16, the nation will be celebrating 50 years of Indo-Pak War, also called 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh'.

(With inputs from IANS)