PM Modi Visits Mazargues War Cemetery

Recently, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseilles. They paid tribute to the 900 Indian soldiers commemorated there for their service in World War I. This event marks the yet often overlooked contributions of Indian troops during both World Wars.

About Mazargues War Cemetery

• The Mazargues War Cemetery honors soldiers who died in World War I (1914-18) and World War II (1939-45).
• It has 1,487 graves from World War I and 267 from World War II.
• In July 1925, Field Marshal Sir William Birdwood unveiled the Indian Memorial at the cemetery.
• The cemetery covers 9,021 square meters.
• World War I burials:
  • 993 Indian soldiers
  • 465 soldiers from the UK
• World War II burials:
  • 199 from the UK
  • 43 from Canada
  • Others from different countries

Indian Troops in World War I

• Over 1.3 million Indian soldiers served during World War I. Approximately 138,000 were deployed in Europe.
• They fought bravely in key battles like the First Battle of Ypres and the Battle of Neuve-Chapelle.
• The Indian Corps played important role in defending against German offensives.
• Despite their valour, many faced severe casualties. About 74,000 Indian soldiers lost their lives during the conflict.

Notable Contributions and Casualties

Indian soldiers participated in numerous battles across France and Belgium. They were very important in the Ypres Salient and Neuve-Chapelle. The Indian Corps suffered over 4,000 casualties at Neuve-Chapelle alone. The Mazargues Indian Memorial commemorates 1,487 casualties from World War I, including 205 Indian soldiers cremated at the site.

Indian Troops in World War II

World War II saw nearly 3 million Indian troops serving, with about 87,000 casualties. Unlike World War I, most Indian soldiers were deployed in Asia, particularly against the Japanese forces. Their contributions were critical in defending the Indian subcontinent from invasion.

The Legacy of Indian Soldiers

Despite their role, Indian soldiers are often overlooked in historical narratives. Racism and Eurocentrism have skewed the recognition of their contributions. The focus has largely remained on Western narratives, sidelining the sacrifices made by non-white soldiers. This has led to a lack of awareness about their very important roles in both World Wars.

PM Modi’s Tributes to Indian Soldiers Abroad

• Australia (2014): Visited the Australian War Memorial and gifted the Man Singh Trophy, an important relic of the Sikh regiment from World War I.
• France (2015): First Indian PM to visit the Neuve-Chapelle Memorial, dedicated to Indian soldiers of World War I.
• Singapore (2015): First Indian PM to visit the INA Memorial Marker, which honors Indian National Army soldiers.
• Israel (2017): Visited the Indian War Cemetery in Haifa, where Indian soldiers fought in World War I.
• Egypt (2023): Paid tribute at the Heliopolis Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery, honoring 4,300 Indian soldiers who died in Egypt and Aden in World War I.
• Poland (2024): Laid a wreath at the Monte Cassino monument in Warsaw, commemorating Indian and Polish soldiers who fought in World War II.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2025

Category: Awards, Honours & Persons in News