Just before the 1971 war, Sam Manekshaw, who had become the chief of the Indian Army by then, and Yahya Khan, then the President of Pakistan, found themselves at the forefront of a brewing storm.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Army for treating the surrendered 90,000 Pakistan Prisoners of War (POWs) with respect during the 1971 war. The Indian Army adopted a humanitarian attitude and sent the POWs back to Pakistan with full respect. Singh highlighted that this treatment is a golden chapter of humanity.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated the government s commitment to the welfare of armed forces veterans, mentioning the implementation of the "one rank, one pension" scheme and provision of healthcare and re-employment. The Armed Forces Veterans Day is celebrated on January 14 every year to recognise the service rendered by the first Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Field Marshal K M Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953.