Dhaka’s celebration of Vijay Diwas on December 16 will be no less significant for India. After Bangladesh authorities confirmed President Ram Nath Kovind’s presence in Dhaka for the occasion, reports said that a 122-member Tri service contingent from Indian Armed Forces is also expected to participate at the Vijay Diwas parade.

“Later next month a Tri-service contingent will leave for Dhaka to participate in the Victory Day Parade which is scheduled for December 16, 2021,” the Financial Express Online quoted unnamed sources as saying. December 16 is observed as the Liberation Day, marking Bangladesh victory over the Pakistani army.

Earlier, a 122 member tri-service contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces had also participated in the 26th January Republic Day parade in New Delhi. The Bangladesh contingent was ferried back to Dhaka by the Indian Air Force.

The Indian High Commission had then tweeted, “Together we fought, together we march.”

“This signifies military co-operation and that is an important message to the world,” Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, who served as air commodore in Bangladesh’s Air Force told India Narrative.

Also read: President Ram Nath Kovind's visit to Bangladesh will be much more than just a symbolic event

After Bangladesh gained independence, India recognised the country on December 6, 1971.

Meanwhile, India’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Vikram Doraiswami, observing the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks, underlined the need for India and Bangladesh to jointly work towards combatting terrorism in the region. At a time when pro-Pakistan radical Islamic groups have been trying to create discord in Bangladesh, Kovind’s visit along with the participation of the Indian Tri-Service at the Victory Parade is significant as it gives a clear message that bilateral relations between the two countries continue to remain solid.

The President’s visit, sources said, will be anything but symbolic. A high level delegation including several senior government officials that will accompany Kovind are expected to hold talks with Bangladesh policymakers.