Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille, paying tribute to Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World Wars I and II. The Prime Minister shared a heartfelt message on social media, saying that the brave soldiers “shed their blood in the hope of a better and more peaceful world.” He also highlighted the significant contributions of over 100,000 Indian soldiers who fought for France in 1914.
During World War I, India supported the war effort to gain greater political autonomy. The British Expeditionary Force mobilized two divisions from India, which were deployed in the trenches on October 24, 1914. Indian soldiers faced treacherous conditions, including muddy trenches and harsh weather, but they played a crucial role in several key battles.
Some Indian soldiers wrote letters to their families, revealing their experiences during the war. One soldier wrote that he was proud to die with arms in hand, while another expressed fears about surviving the war. The sacrifices of these soldiers will be remembered forever, binding France and India together.
The visit by Modi and Macron marked an important moment of commemoration for the brave men who fought alongside the French during World War I.
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/france-pm-modi-emmanuel-macron-1914-a-war-story-how-indian-soldiers-left-their-mark-on-world-war-i-7697076