New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid homage to fallen soldiers on the 50^th anniversary of Vijay Diwas – India’s greatest military victory over Pakistan - and took part in the reception ceremony of 'Swarnim Vijay Mashaals' at the National War Memorial.

He was accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Prime Minister also laid a wreath at the war memorial.

Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a commemorative stamp on the occasion.

Swarnim Vijay Varsh commemorates 50 years of India's victory in the 1971 war and the formation of Bangladesh.

Last year on December 16, Prime Minister Modi lit the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal from the Eternal Flame at the National War Memorial.

He also lit four flames that were to traverse along with different directions. Since then, these four flames have traversed across the length and breadth of the country, including to Siachen, Kanyakumari, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Longewala, Rann of Kutch, Agartala.

The flames were taken to key battle areas and also to the houses of gallantry award winners and veterans of the 1971 war.
During the Homage Ceremony on Thursday, these four flames will be merged by the Prime Minister with the Eternal Flame at the National War Memorial.