The iconic inverted rifle and helmet at India Gate have been relocated to the National War Memorial

The National War Memorial is less than a kilometre distant, along the same route as the Amar Jawan Jyoti. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the memorial in 2019.

The move came four months after the ceremonial flame of the Amar Jawan Jyoti was extinguished for the first time since it was lit in 1972. The flame was merged with the torch at the National War Memorial.

The inverted helmet and rifle were moved to the National War Memorial’s Param Yodha Sthal and set between the busts of Param Vir Chakra winners on Friday, according to the Ministry of Defence.

“A final salute was given as part of the ritual, and the CISC [Chiefs of Staff Committee] offered a wreath at India Gate,” the ministry said in a statement. “Thereafter, the inverted gun and helmet were removed and transported to the Param Yodha Sthal in a ceremonial vehicle.”

Air Marshal BR Krishna, the chief of integrated defence staff, presided over the ceremony. Senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force were also there.

“With this event, the integration of the memorial to fallen soldiers from the 1971 war with the National War Memorial is complete,” the ministry stated.

Indira Gandhi, the prime minister of the time, dedicated the Amar Jawan Jyoti on Republic Day in 1972 as an homage to the soldiers who died in the 1971 India-Pakistan conflict.

Several opposition lawmakers and retired security officers had criticised the government’s move to extinguish the Amar Jawan Jyoti flame.

“It is really unfortunate that the perpetual flame that was set to honour our gallant troops will be extinguished,” tweeted Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. “Some individuals do not grasp the essence of patriotism and sacrifice; it makes no difference; we shall light up the Amar Jawan Jyoti for our soldiers once more.”

Unidentified government authorities said that misinformation concerning extinguishing the flame at Amar Jawan Jyoti was spread. They stated that the flame was simply merging with the one at the National War Memorial.