India has once again firmly supported Bangladesh’s demand for justice over the atrocities committed during the 1971 Liberation War, while strongly criticising Pakistan for continuing to deny its role in those events. The statement came from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which underlined that the crimes committed during that period remain a grave chapter in history and deserve accountability.

During an official briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal spoke about the scale and brutality of the violence carried out by Pakistani forces during Operation Searchlight in 1971. He highlighted how the crackdown led to large-scale killings, widespread sexual violence, and massive displacement of people. Millions of Bangladeshis were forced to flee their homes and take refuge in India, creating a humanitarian crisis that had a deep impact on the region.

Jaiswal said, "We are all aware of the terrible atrocities that were committed by Pakistan during Operation Searchlight in 1971. The genocide involved the systematic and targeted killing of millions of Bangladeshi people, innocent people, and mass sexual violence against women. It also forced millions of Bangladeshi people out of their country. They came to India as refugees. These atrocities, needless to say, shook the conscience of the world at large. Pakistan, however, remains in denial to this very day of its crimes. We support Bangladesh in its desire for justice."

India’s remarks came in response to renewed calls from Bangladesh to recognise the 1971 events as genocide and to seek justice for the victims. Bangladesh continues to observe March 25 as Genocide Day, marking the beginning of the military crackdown that triggered the war of independence. The day is remembered for the brutal attacks carried out on civilians, including students, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens across several locations.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also recalled the events of that day and paid tribute to those who lost their lives. He described the beginning of the crackdown as a planned and brutal assault on unarmed people. In his statement, he said, "March 25, 1971, is observed as Genocide Day. On the occasion of Genocide Day, I pay my deepest respect to all the martyrs. In the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh, March 25, 1971, remains one of the most disgraceful and brutal days."

He further pointed out that Pakistani forces had carried out indiscriminate attacks at several places, including Dhaka University, Pilkhana, and Rajarbagh Police Lines. These attacks resulted in heavy loss of life and left a lasting scar on the nation’s history. The remembrance of these events continues to shape Bangladesh’s demand for global recognition of the atrocities as genocide.

India also used the occasion to highlight its strong and growing relationship with Bangladesh. Jaiswal noted that both countries are working to deepen ties across multiple sectors and continue discussions to strengthen cooperation. He mentioned that India remains committed not only to maintaining its relationship with Bangladesh but also to expanding it further in the coming years.

Referring to recent developments, he said that after the formation of a new government in Bangladesh, India had sent its Lok Sabha Speaker to attend the swearing-in ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his congratulations and shared India’s vision for the future of bilateral ties through a letter.

"A new government has been formed in Bangladesh. Our Speaker, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, was sent to attend the swearing-in ceremony of this government. Our Prime Minister sent a congratulatory letter through him, and also sent a letter outlining our vision for how we want to take this relationship forward. Discussions are ongoing on both sides. We want to not only maintain our diverse relationships with Bangladesh, but also strengthen and expand them further," said Jaiswal.

India’s position reflects both its historical role in the 1971 war and its continued diplomatic support for Bangladesh. At the same time, the strong remarks against Pakistan underline the ongoing tensions over how the events of 1971 are remembered and acknowledged in the region.