Unparalleled gallantry of Indian soldiers in WWI assured Allied victory: President Mukherjee

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said the 'unparalleled gallantry' of Indian soldiers fighting in the World War I assured a victory for the Allied forces.

"The sacrifice made by the Indian Soldiers during World War I in alien lands, fighting an unknown enemy, across alien cultures is indeed commendable. Sustaining and continuing to maintain one's motivation over a period of more than four years could not have been possible without the faith and heritage of Indian soldierly values. The saga of unparalleled gallantry displayed by the Indians on the battle field ensured the victory of the Allies during the War," President Mukherjee wrote in the visitor's book, while inaugurating the centenary commemorative exhibition on India's Contribution in World War I.

"With over seventy thousand martyrs and an equal number maimed and injured, the Indians have left an everlasting impression for the future warriors of the Indian Armed Forces. This centenary commemoration is an apt recognition for the individual and collective sacrifices made by Indian soldiers. I commend the Indian Army for their superlative effort," he added.

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