Why Indian soldiers are honored at Marseilles's Mazargues War Cemetery
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseilles on Wednesday.
The leaders paid tribute to the memory of 900 soldiers, who are commemorated there for their contributions in World War I.
Ahead of the visit, Modi highlighted the historical significance of Marseille as a city where freedom fighters such as VD Savarkar attempted an escape during British colonial rule.
Historical impact
Indian soldiers' significant contributions to World War I
Over 1.3 million Indian soldiers fought overseas in World War I, with around 138,000 stationed in Europe, according to the Indian Council of World Affairs.
The Indian Corps, comprising the 3rd (Lahore) and 7th (Meerut) divisions, participated in major battles like Ypres Salient in Belgium and Neuve-Chapelle in France between 1914 and 1915.
In March 1915 at Neuve-Chapelle, Indian soldiers made up at least half of the attacking force.
War base
Marseilles: A strategic base for Indian troops
Marseilles was a strategic base for Indian troops during World War I.
From 1914 to 1918, around 90,000 combat and non-combat Indian soldiers fought for France and Belgium.
Of the total, 8,500 died while 50,000 were injured.
For their contributions, six men from India received the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest award for gallantry, during the First World War.
War heroes
Indian soldiers' sacrifices and bravery recognized
Among them were Rifleman Gobar Singh Negi of the 39th Garwhal Rifles and Major Pandit Piarayal Atal.
"Despite heavy casualties, they managed to take a key enemy position, and it was his bravery during this battle that led Gabar Sing Negi to be awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously," the UK government website on Negi read.
The Mazargues Indian Memorial was unveiled in July 1925 by Field Marshal Sir William Birdwood to pay tribute to these sacrifices.
Diplomatic visit
PM Modi's visit to France: Honoring past, envisioning future
In 1927, Marshal Ferdinand Foch lauded the bravery of Indian soldiers in WWI, saying they "hewed the path for us; it is they who took the first steps toward final victory."
PM Modi's trip to Marseilles comes after he attended an Artificial Intelligence summit co-chaired with President Macron.
After his France visit, PM Modi will head to Washington DC on Thursday on President Donald Trump's invitation. This will be his first US visit since Trump's second term inauguration in January.