PM Modi applauds the bravery of Indian soldiers in First World War

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday applauded the bravery of the Indian soldiers who participated in the First World War, and saluted the martyrs who were slain in battlefields across Europe, Africa and Asia.

The Prime Minister, who earlier in the day attended the commemorative ceremony of the WWI at the Manekshaw Centre in the national capital, shared his experiences via a series of tweets.

"Visited commemorative exhibition on centenary of First World War at Manekshaw Centre today."

"The Exhibition brings alive participation and bravery of Indian soldiers in various battlefields of this war across Europe, Africa and Asia."

"Was touching to meet the descendants of some of these decorated soldiers."

"I urge our youth to visit this exhibition to learn about the War in which nearly 74,000 of our men were martyred in far flung lands."

"We salute the sacrifice of each and every Indian soldier martyred in the war."

At the ceremony, the Prime Minister interacted with the Chiefs of all three services - Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha.

In World War I, India contributed a large number of soldiers to divisions and brigades which fought in the European, Mediterranean and the Middle Eastern theatres of war. Over 10 lakh troops served the British Empire overseas in the course of the war.