India hands over 1971 war relics to Bangladesh

Articles include tanks, helicopter

The Indian government on Wednesday handed over some equipment used in the 1971 India-Pakistan war to Bangladesh, The Daily Star reported.

The military articles, presented to the Bangladesh Army and air force, include an Mi-4 helicopter and two PT-76 tanks. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla handed over the equipment.



According to a Bangladesh Inter Services Public Relations statement, Army chief Lt General Md Nazimuddin and Air Vice-Marshal Abul Bashar received the tanks and helicopter.

“We are proud of the privilege of having fought shoulder to shoulder with you. The independence struggle is a testimony of the courage, valour, sacrifice and glory of the soldiers and people of Bangladesh and India," Shringla said on the occasion."This legacy and spirit will continue to inspire the future generations of both the countries…,” the Indian envoy added.



Mi-4 transport helicopters were part of the Indian Air Force fleet in 1971. The choppers were extensively deployed over the conflict. Amphibious PT-76 tanks performed a critical role in crossing waterways in the war.

This article originally appeared in The Daily Star.