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Defence Current Affairs 16 December 2025
Vijay Diwas 2025: Honouring India’s Historic Triumph
India commemorates Vijay Diwas every year on 16 December to mark one of the most defining victories in its military history—the triumph of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. On 16 December 2025, the nation once again remembers this momentous occasion that reshaped South Asia and led to the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation. Vijay Diwas stands as a powerful reminder of India’s military capability, strategic foresight, and commitment to humanitarian principles.
Background of Vijay Diwas
The 1971 war was rooted in the freedom struggle of East Pakistan, where political repression and humanitarian atrocities had created a massive refugee crisis. Responding to the situation, India supported the liberation movement, leading to a brief but decisive conflict. The war lasted only 13 days, making it one of the shortest wars in modern times.
On 16 December 1971, Pakistani forces stationed in East Pakistan formally surrendered at Dhaka. Nearly 93,000 Pakistani soldiers laid down their arms before the joint leadership of the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini, marking one of the largest military surrenders since World War II. This event not only concluded the war but also paved the way for the birth of independent Bangladesh.
Role of the Indian Armed Forces
India’s victory was achieved through exceptional coordination among the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. Under the visionary leadership of General Sam Manekshaw, the Armed Forces carried out a swift and meticulously planned campaign. Naval dominance in the Bay of Bengal cut off enemy supply routes, while the Air Force established air superiority, crippling enemy defences and accelerating the surrender. The Army’s rapid ground operations ensured a decisive and humane conclusion to the conflict.
Why Vijay Diwas Matters
Vijay Diwas holds immense national significance as it:
- Reflects India’s strategic brilliance and military professionalism
- Honors the sacrifice and courage of Indian soldiers
- Highlights India’s support for freedom, justice, and human rights
- Strengthened India’s standing as a key power in South Asia
The day also underscores India’s role as a responsible nation that values peace while remaining capable of defending its interests.
India–Russia Defence Cooperation
In a notable development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a law ratifying a military logistics agreement with India under the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS). This pact provides a structured framework for the movement of military personnel, warships, and aircraft between the two countries. It also facilitates access to ports, airspace, and airfields, along with logistical support during joint exercises, training programs, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief operations. The agreement is expected to further strengthen defence cooperation and operational coordination between India and Russia.
Army Displays Recovered Turkish Yiha Drone
Ahead of Vijay Diwas 2025, the Indian Army showcased a reconstructed Turkish-made Yiha drone, used by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The display took place on 15 December 2025 at an event hosted by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. Operation Sindoor occurred between 7 and 10 May 2025, following India’s retaliatory strikes on terrorist infrastructure after the Pahalgam terror attack.
The Yiha drone, a kamikaze unmanned combat aerial vehicle, was intercepted on 10 May at an altitude of 2,000 metres. Launched from Lahore, it was headed towards Jalandhar carrying a 10-kg explosive payload. With a compact wingspan of two metres and powered by a 170 cc engine, the drone is designed for both reconnaissance and precision strikes. The successful interception highlighted the effectiveness of India’s layered counter-drone defence systems, which combine radar, electronic warfare, and kinetic interception technologies.
Jaishankar’s Diplomatic Visit to Israel
On the diplomatic front, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit Israel after engagements in the United Arab Emirates, as announced on 15 December 2025. The visit follows his participation in the Sir Bani Yas Forum held in Abu Dhabi, a global platform for discussions on peace, security, and economic cooperation.
India and Israel have enjoyed full diplomatic relations since 1992, with bilateral trade exceeding £7 billion annually. Cooperation spans key areas such as missile defence, cybersecurity, agriculture, and water management. Jaishankar’s visit gains importance amid evolving Middle East dynamics, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and regional normalisation efforts. Talks are expected to cover counter-terrorism, energy security, and India’s balanced approach to the Israel-Palestine issue.
Review Questions
- Vijay Diwas is observed every year in India on which date to commemorate
the victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak War?
A. 26 January
B. 15 August
C. 16 December
D. 2 October
ANSWER: C - The Indo-Pak War of 1971 lasted for how many days, making it one of the
shortest wars in modern history?
A. 7 days
B. 13 days
C. 21 days
D. 30 days
ANSWER: B - Approximately how many Pakistani soldiers surrendered to the Indian Army
and Mukti Bahini on 16 December 1971?
A. 45,000
B. 60,000
C. 75,000
D. 93,000
ANSWER: D - The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) ratified by Russia and
India primarily focuses on:
A. Joint nuclear weapons development
B. Civil aviation cooperation
C. Logistical support for military forces, warships, and aircraft
D. Space technology collaboration
ANSWER: C - The reconstructed Turkish Yiha drone showcased by the Indian Army was
intercepted during which operation?
A. Operation Vijay
B. Operation Rakshak
C. Operation Sindoor
D. Operation Parakram
ANSWER: C - Which country is not a founding member of the SCO?
A. Russia
B. China
C. India
D. Kazakhstan
ANSWER: C - The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota Is A
A. UAV
B. Military Transport Aircraft
C. Fighter Aircraft
D. None
ANSWER: B - Defence Industrial Corridor (DICs) Is/Are Located In
A. UP
B. T.N
C. M.H
D. Both A & B
ANSWER: D - Solomon Islands Is Located On
A. Indian Ocean
B. Pacific Ocean
C. Arctic Ocean
D. None of the above
ANSWER: B - Saab AB Is An Aerospace Company of
A. USA
B. Sweden
C. France
D. China
ANSWER: B - C-130J Super Hercules Is A
A. Destroyer
B. OPV
C. Submarine
D. Transport Aircraft
ANSWER: D - “Secure Application for Internet (SAI)” Has Been Developed By
A. IAF
B. Indian Army
C. ICG
D. NSG
ANSWER: B - Joint Exercises B/w The India And Nepal Is Called:
A. Surya Kiran
B. SLINEX
C. Indra
D. Yudha Abhyas
ANSWER: A - Hq Of Mazagaon Dockyard Limited Is In
A. New Delhi
B. Mumbai
C. Chennai
D. Kolkata
ANSWER: B - “Battle Ready for 21st Century” Book Is Written By
A. Shashi Tharoor
B. Geetanjali Shree’s
C. Richa Mishra
D. Lt Gen AK Singh and Brig. Narendra Kumar
ANSWER: D - Where Is The Hq Of The Eastern Command of The Indian Navy?
A. Kochi
B. Vishakhapatnam
C. Pune
D. Mumbai
ANSWER: B - Joint Exercises B/w The India And USA Is Called:
A. Surya Kiran
B. Vajra Prahar
C. Yudha Abhyas
D. Both B & C
ANSWER: D - In IAF Flights are sub-divisions of squadrons, commanded by a__.
A. Squadron Leader
B. Flying Officer
C. Air Marshal
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A - DRDO Lakshya Is A
A. Fighter Jet
B. Ship
C. Tank
D. UAV
ANSWER: D - Exercise Samudra Shakti Conducted B/w Indonesia &
A. India
B. Nepal
C. Bangladesh
D. Bhutan
ANSWER: A
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