World Wars and India’s sacrifice
The Hindu - Opinion · Published 11 November 2026 · Last updated
India maintains an uneasy relationship with Remembrance Day, overlooking its immense historical contribution of deploying millions of volunteer troops and making critical sacrifices during the two World Wars.
Key points
- On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Commonwealth and allied nations observe two minutes of silence to honour World War fallen.
- Undivided British India sent 1.5 million men to fight in World War I, with 74,000 casualties.
- India produced the largest volunteer army of 2.5 million soldiers during World War II.
- Between 87,000 and 89,000 Indian soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II.
- About 700,000 Indian troops were actively defending Indian territory when Japan invaded in March 1944.
- British war veteran David Lightfoot celebrated his 101st birthday on November 6, recalling his deployment to India.
- King Charles led a solemn Remembrance service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday.
- Centenarian Annie Duplock, aged 103, participated in the London march-past as a former member of the Land Army.
Background
- The Cenotaph in Whitehall was originally constructed as a memorial to honour those who fought and died in World War One.
- During World War I, Indian troops were predominantly sent to distant foreign fronts rather than domestic territories.
Prelims facts and Mains angle for this issue are in the full SWAदेSH note.
Original report: The Hindu - Opinion