India has supported Bangladesh’s demand for justice over the atrocities committed by Pakistan during the 1971 Liberation War, reiterating that the events of that time cannot be ignored.
Recalling the 1971 atrocities, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the world is aware of the terrible atrocities carried out by Pakistan during Operation Searchlight. He said the crackdown led to the killing of millions of innocent people in Bangladesh and widespread sexual violence against women. The operation also forced millions to flee to India as refugees.
“These atrocities shook the conscience of the world. Pakistan, however, remains in denial to this very day of its crimes. We support Bangladesh in its desire for justice…,” Jaiswal said.
#WATCH | Delhi | MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “We all are aware of the terrible atrocities committed by Pakistan during ‘Operation Searchlight’ in 1971. The genocide involved systematic and targeted murder of millions of innocent Bangladeshi people and mass sexual… pic.twitter.com/IqaYKms9pO
— ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2026
Bangladesh thanks India for support
Bangladesh recently expressed gratitude to India for its role in the 1971 war. State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain said India’s support was crucial in securing victory. He said India’s assistance helped save countless lives and ensured the success of the freedom struggle.
“As a citizen of Bangladesh and someone who believes in the spirit of 1971 and our freedom, the help that India extended towards us will always be appreciated. India helped us in the war, and because of that support, we were able to save more lives and ultimately achieve victory. We thank India for that,” Hossain told ANI in an interview in Dhaka.
March 25 observed as Genocide Day in Bangladesh
Bangladesh marks March 25 as Genocide Day to remember the victims of the 1971 crackdown. On this day, Pakistani forces launched Operation Searchlight, carrying out large-scale killings and destruction in Dhaka and other parts of the country.
March 26 is celebrated as Bangladesh’s Independence Day, marking its declaration of freedom from Pakistan.
India played a major role in the liberation war by training fighters, supplying arms, and later joining the conflict directly. The war ended on December 16, 1971, when Pakistani forces surrendered to Indian troops and Bangladeshi fighters, leading to the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation.