Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille, France, to pay homage to Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in World War I and II. French President Emmanuel Macron will join him in a wreath-laying ceremony, underscoring the historical ties between the two nations.
PM Modi is currently in France to attend the AI Action Summit and will also visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) site.
A Legacy of Remembrance
PM Modi has consistently paid homage to Indian soldiers across the world. In his past visits:
- Australia (2014): Honoured martyrs at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Presented the Man Singh Trophy, commemorating Sikh regiment soldiers.
- France (2015): Became the first Indian PM to visit the Neuve-Chapelle Memorial for Indian soldiers.
- Singapore (2015): Paid respects at the INA Memorial Marker.
- Israel (2017): Honoured fallen soldiers at the Haifa Indian War Cemetery.
- Egypt (2023): Visited the Heliopolis Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery in Cairo, honouring 4,300 Indian soldiers who died in World War I.
- Poland (2024): Laid a wreath at the Battle of Monte Cassino monument in Warsaw, honouring Indian and Polish soldiers of World War II.
PM Modi’s Commitment to India’s Military History
PM Modi has repeatedly emphasized the sacrifices of Indian soldiers, even in wars where India had no direct involvement. In 2018, he acknowledged their role in World War I, stating that despite no direct connection, Indian soldiers fought with valour in harsh conditions.
Through these tributes, PM Modi continues to highlight the bravery and sacrifices of Indian soldiers on global platforms.
