New Delhi: Coming down heavily on Pakistan for promoting terrorism in India, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the Indian Armed Forces foiled Islamabad’s plans during the 1971 war and are now working towards eliminating terrorism from the root.


“Pakistan wants to promote terrorism in India. Indian Armed Forces foiled Pakistan’s plans in 1971 and now we are working towards eliminating terrorism from the root,” he said. ANI reported.


The Defence Minister was speaking after inaugurating the ‘Swarnim Vijay Parv’ at India Gate in the national capital to commemorate 50 years of India’s victory in the 1971 war.


Singh further said New Delhi has contributed to the establishment of democracy in Bangladesh.


“Today we are very happy that in the last 50 years Bangladesh has progressed on the path of development,” he added.


Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Minister also said that India has post the demise of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and 12 others in an Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu earlier on Wednesday decided to celebrate the ‘Swarnim Vijay Parv’ with simplicity.


“After the passing away of General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other armed forces personnel, we have decided to celebrate ‘Swarnim Vijay Parv’ with simplicity,” said Singh.


“IAF Group Captain Varun Singh is under treatment at the Command Hospital in Bengaluru. We pray for his early recovery,” he added.


The Defence Minister also visited the military equipment display at the inaugural ceremony of ‘Swarnim Vijay Parv’.