Why a war memorial in southern France is on Prime Minister Modi’s itinerary
| 2025-02-11
The Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseilles, France on November 21, 2021. (Courtesy: X/@CWGC)
The Indian forces fought across France as well as East Africa, Mesopotamia, and Egypt during the First World War
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in France on a three-day visit. Besides co-chairing the AI Action Summit in Paris and reviewing the growth of the strategic partnership between the two nations with President Emmanuel Macron, he will also travel to the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseilles, southern France on Wednesday (February 12, 2025).
Here is why the visit is significant:
1. Approximately 1.3 million Indian soldiers are estimated to have served during the First World War as part of the Allied powers against Germany; over 74,000 casualties were reported. The Indian forces fought across France as well as East Africa, Mesopotamia, Egypt and Gallipoli.
2. Over 1,000 Indian soldiers who took part in the First World War have been cremated at the Mazargues War Cemetery. There are now 1,487 (First World War, 1914-18) and 267 (Second World War, 1939-45) war casualties commemorated in this site.
3. Of these, 205 of the Indian casualties, who were cremated, are commemorated on a separate memorial at the rear of the cemetery. The Mazargues Indian Memorial was unveiled by Field Marshal Sir William Birdwood in July 1925.
4. According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Mazargues War Cemetery is the second largest site where Indian men are commemorated after the Neuve-Chapelle War Memorial in northern France.
5. The Indian Army’s involvement on the Western front started on August 6, 1914. That day, the War Council in London requested two infantry divisions and a cavalry brigade from the Viceroy's government to be sent to Egypt. Witin weeks, these troops were ordered to Europe.
6. Due to its strategic location, Marseilles was the central point of arrival and departure for millions of soldiers. This included French troops as well as those from countries in Africa in addition to the Commonwealth forces, including soldiers from India.
7. In late October 1914, two Indian infantry divisions - the Third (Lahore) and the Seventh (Meerut) – reached the Western Front in northeast France and Belgium to fight alongside French and British soldiers. Together, they formed the Indian Corps.
8. Marseilles served as the base of the Indian troops in France. Most of them were deployed in the Ypres Salient and in neighbouring Neuve Chapelle, which saw fierce fighting as the Germans sought to advance.
9. The Indian Army Corps that arrived on the Western Front in the autumn of 1914 was instrumental in checking the German advance towards the ports which were critical for ensuring the flow of troops as well as equipment and supplies.
10. Indian soldiers won over 9,200 decorations for gallantry, including 11 Victoria Crosses. As a result of its gallant contribution to the war effort, India was one of the signatories of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which ended the First World War.
Here is why the visit is significant:
1. Approximately 1.3 million Indian soldiers are estimated to have served during the First World War as part of the Allied powers against Germany; over 74,000 casualties were reported. The Indian forces fought across France as well as East Africa, Mesopotamia, Egypt and Gallipoli.
2. Over 1,000 Indian soldiers who took part in the First World War have been cremated at the Mazargues War Cemetery. There are now 1,487 (First World War, 1914-18) and 267 (Second World War, 1939-45) war casualties commemorated in this site.
3. Of these, 205 of the Indian casualties, who were cremated, are commemorated on a separate memorial at the rear of the cemetery. The Mazargues Indian Memorial was unveiled by Field Marshal Sir William Birdwood in July 1925.
4. According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Mazargues War Cemetery is the second largest site where Indian men are commemorated after the Neuve-Chapelle War Memorial in northern France.
5. The Indian Army’s involvement on the Western front started on August 6, 1914. That day, the War Council in London requested two infantry divisions and a cavalry brigade from the Viceroy's government to be sent to Egypt. Witin weeks, these troops were ordered to Europe.
6. Due to its strategic location, Marseilles was the central point of arrival and departure for millions of soldiers. This included French troops as well as those from countries in Africa in addition to the Commonwealth forces, including soldiers from India.
7. In late October 1914, two Indian infantry divisions - the Third (Lahore) and the Seventh (Meerut) – reached the Western Front in northeast France and Belgium to fight alongside French and British soldiers. Together, they formed the Indian Corps.
8. Marseilles served as the base of the Indian troops in France. Most of them were deployed in the Ypres Salient and in neighbouring Neuve Chapelle, which saw fierce fighting as the Germans sought to advance.
9. The Indian Army Corps that arrived on the Western Front in the autumn of 1914 was instrumental in checking the German advance towards the ports which were critical for ensuring the flow of troops as well as equipment and supplies.
10. Indian soldiers won over 9,200 decorations for gallantry, including 11 Victoria Crosses. As a result of its gallant contribution to the war effort, India was one of the signatories of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which ended the First World War.
Social Media Celebrates Mumbai Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar
Captain Smit Machchhar of flydubai is lauded on social media, with calls for him to receive the Ashok Chakra for his bravery.
| 2026-10-02
Flydubai Co-Pilot's Iran Allegations Involve Trump and Netanyahu
A co-pilot from Flydubai surfaces allegations connecting Iran with former US President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
| 2026-10-02
France's Student Protests Escalate into Nationwide Unrest
France faces widespread protests as high-school students demand better educational conditions, sparking violence and government responses.
| 2026-10-02
Mamata Banerjee Criticises Election Chief Over Poll Irregularities
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assails India's Chief Election Commissioner over alleged electoral manipulations ahead of upcoming elections.
| 2026-10-02
Protests Planned at Jantar Mantar Amid Election Commission Controversy
Student unions are set to protest in Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over handling electoral rolls.
| 2026-10-02