A recent post by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Victory Day has sparked widespread discussions on social media. On December 16, 2024, as the people of Bangladesh celebrate their 1971 Liberation War victory with great enthusiasm, the neighboring Indian government’s leader has again claimed that Bangladesh’s Liberation War was essentially India’s war.

In a post on his verified Facebook account, Modi wrote, “On Victory Day, we honor the courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India’s historic victory in 1971. Their selfless sacrifice and unwavering determination protected our nation and brought us glory. This day is a tribute to their extraordinary valor and indomitable spirit. Their sacrifices will inspire generations to come and remain deeply etched in the history of our nation.”

This is not the first time India has claimed ownership of the Liberation War. Indian politicians have previously portrayed the Liberation War as an India-Pakistan war. Even Indian textbooks have described it as such. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), the largest curriculum developer for Indian schools, discusses the subject in its book "Contemporary World Politics." Pages 33 and 34 of the book state:

“The Indian government decided to support the demand for freedom of the people of East Pakistan, assisting them economically and militarily. This resulted in a war between India and Pakistan. In December 1971, with the surrender of the Pakistani forces in East Pakistan and the birth of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh, the war ended.”

Modi’s post, claiming the Liberation War as India’s war, has been criticized by Hasnat Abdullah, convenor of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and Asif Nazrul, interim government legal advisor.

Asif Nazrul wrote, “I strongly protest. December 16, 1971, was the victory day for Bangladesh. India was an ally in this victory, nothing more.”

Hasnat Abdullah commented, “This was Bangladesh’s Liberation War. It was a war for independence against Pakistan. But Modi claims it was merely India’s war and their achievement, completely overlooking Bangladesh’s existence.” He further added, “When this independence is claimed as India’s achievement, I see it as a direct threat to Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and integrity.”

After the 1947 partition, Pakistan’s discrimination and oppression led to growing resentment in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. Events such as the Language Movement, the 1969 uprising, and Pakistan’s brutal genocide in 1971 culminated in a people’s war. A massive guerrilla war ensued, starting with Major Zia’s declaration of independence, initially disorganized but later structured under the exile government.

Meanwhile, the Indo-Pak war began on December 3 and lasted until December 16. India chose to enter the war when the Liberation Army had already taken control of most of Bangladesh, excluding major cities and military bases. India’s entry followed Pakistan’s attack on India, and its involvement aimed to engage Pakistan on two fronts and achieve its objectives. Claiming Indian leadership in a war that began long before December 3 undermines the Liberation Army’s role and distorts the history of the Liberation War.

India’s assistance to Bangladesh during the Liberation War is acknowledged, but it is crucial to examine its motives. India did not act out of love for Bangladesh or its people. If India truly cared, why does it deprive Bangladesh of its fair share of international river waters? Why do border killings persist? Why does India exploit Bangladesh through unfair treaties and political interference?

If India’s stance was principled, why has it adopted a policy of brutal repression against independence movements in Kashmir and the Northeastern ‘Seven Sisters’? India’s assistance was driven by geopolitical and economic interests. A strong and united Pakistan was always a concern for India. The 1971 war gave India the opportunity to weaken Pakistan, an opportunity it seized wholeheartedly.

While Bangladesh respects and remembers India’s contribution to the Liberation War, it does not grant India the right to undermine Bangladesh’s independence or sovereignty.

In mid-November 1971, shortly before Bangladesh’s independence, India issued an order placing all Liberation Forces under Indian command, effectively eliminating their independent identity. India continues to refer to the war as the ‘Indo-Pak War of 1971,’ disregarding Bangladesh’s role.

Breaking Pakistan weakened the country, enhancing India’s regional dominance. Economically, the breakup opened Bangladesh’s market for India, which had struggled to penetrate it during Pakistan’s era due to the superior quality of Pakistani goods. India also secured transit facilities for transporting goods to its Northeastern states, an objective unachievable during Pakistan’s time.

India has further extended its cultural influence in Bangladesh, something not possible during the Pakistan era.

After independence, Indian forces were accused of looting Bangladesh extensively, taking weapons, gold, rice, and household items. Historian Salahuddin Ahmed in "Bangladesh: Past and Present" wrote, “After the war was over, India was criticized for overstaying in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It was also alleged that the Indian army removed large amounts of arms, ammunition, and machinery from Bangladesh, leading to tension and suspicion about India’s policy toward Bangladesh.”

Zainal Abedin’s book “RAW and Bangladesh” described how Indian soldiers looted everything from ceiling fans to military equipment, utensils, and water taps, using thousands of military vehicles to transport the loot to India. Canadian-based writer Azizul Karim cited a 1974 report estimating the value of looted goods at $1 billion.

General M. A. G. Osmani, leader of the Liberation Forces, did not attend the surrender ceremony where Pakistan’s Lt. Gen. A. A. K. Niazi surrendered to India’s Lt. Gen. Jagjit Singh Aurora. This absence and the document’s language raised concerns about whether Indian authorities intentionally sidelined Bangladesh’s contributions. The document’s clauses suggest Pakistan’s surrender was to India, not to Bangladesh, even though the Liberation Forces controlled the country.

India’s assistance during the Liberation War was not driven by altruism but by geopolitical and economic interests. While Bangladesh appreciates India’s support, it must firmly reject any claim that undermines its sovereignty or independence.