Homage to Indian WW1 heroes

Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid homage to the Indian soldiers whose bravery was instrumental in securing the liberation of Haifa as he wrapped up his historic three-day Israel visit. 

The PM, accompanied by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, visited the Indian cemetery in Haifa and laid a wreath to honour the Indian soldiers. 

“This is the final resting place for 44 of the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I to liberate the city,” Modi said before visiting the site.

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Forty-four Indian soldiers were killed protecting Haifa from the Ottoman Turks in World War I. Major Dalpat Singh (MC) is known as the ‘Hero of Haifa’ for his critical role in the liberation of the city. He was awarded a military cross for his bravery.

The Haifa war was fought on September 22-23 in 1918. The Indian Army celebrates September 23 as Haifa Day every year. 

Later in the day, PM Modi and Netanyahu attended the first meeting of India-Israel CEOs forum in Tel Aviv. As many as 12 strategic pacts envisaging investments worth $4.3 billion were signed between Indian and Israeli companies at the first meeting of CEO forum in Tel Aviv today, according to information released by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). 

“The forum identified and stressed on the need to realise opportunities in focus sectors identified during the first meeting of CEOs forum. There was a consensus that the current trade volume amounting to just over $ 4 billion has the potential to reach $20 billion in the next five years. To realise this goal, the forum underlined key recommendations to two heads of states,” FICCI said in its statement. 

After wrapping his rather successful visit, the PM left for the German city of Hamburg where world leaders have gathered to attend the G20 Summit.