Following a successful day in Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to France changed the agenda to Marseilles. Upon his arrival, PM Modi, accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron, paid homage to the 900 soldiers commemorated at the Mazargues War Cemetery for their bravery in World War I.
During a solemn function, PM Modi placed a wreath made of tricolour-decorated flowers in appreciation of the Indian Armed Forces’ sacrifice during the war. This layover is also another occasion for Modi to acknowledge the role of Indian soldiers in France. In April 2015, he paid tribute at the World War I Memorial in Neuve-Chapelle, and in October 2018, he highlighted their immense sacrifice and valour.
“We had no direct connection with that war. Nevertheless, our soldiers fought valiantly and played a significant role and yielded the supreme sacrifice,” said Modi in 2018. “Our soldiers have displayed great valour in difficult areas and adverse conditions.
Role of the Indian Army in the First World War
The role of Indian troops in World War I is still important in the history of France. The Indian Council of World Affairs states that more than 1.3 million Indian military personnel went to fight overseas, approximately 138,000 of whom fought in Europe.
The majority of these soldiers saw action in Belgium’s Ypres Salient (during 1914-1915) and Neuve-Chapelle (during 1914-1915) in France. Within days of a declaration of war being made against Germany by the United Kingdom in August 1914, an infantry division of two and a cavalry brigade of the Indian Army were put into action. By September, Indian Expeditionary Force soldiers arrived in France, engaging in fierce battles, including the heavy combat at Belgium’s Messines Ridge in October.
The Indian Corps, consisting of the 3rd (Lahore) and 7th (Meerut) Divisions, played a crucial role in early war battles. The 39th Garhwal Rifles, being under the 7th (Meerut) Division, carried out a well-fought battle in the First Battle of Ypres. In March 1915, at Neuve-Chapelle, Indian soldiers formed at least half of the attacking force. They further engaged at St. Julien, Aubers Ridge, Festubert, and Loos during 1915.
By December 1915, the Indian troops were redeployed to West Asia, but Indian labour companies continued to handle crucial logistical operations in France until the armistice was signed on November 11, 1918.
Why France Remembers Indian Soldiers
Marseilles was a key base for Indian troops during the war, hosting the Royal Navy, the Merchant Navy, British forces, and Indian labour units. According to the Indian Council of World Affairs, 90,000 Indian combat and non-combat soldiers fought for France and Belgium, 1914-1918. Officials reported fatalities among the 8,500 Indian soldiers, and 50,000 suffered injuries.
France still celebrates their memory through memorials for Indian soldiers. Neuve-Chapelle Memorial commemorates over 4,700 Indian soldiers and labourers who died during the war, while Villers-Guislain features an Ashoka emblem in their memory.
[PM Modi’s] visit to Mazargues War Cemetery testifies to the historical ties between India and France. With India building up its foreign partnerships, acknowledging the sacrifice made by the Indian soldiers on foreign soil strengthens the historical bond of courage and sacrifice amongst the people.