India to Build Armed Forces Memorial in France’s Villers-Guislain

During WWI, Villers-Guislain witnessed a fierce battle involving British Indian cavalry regiments.

Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced on Tuesday, 19 June, that India will construct an armed forces memorial at Villers Guislain.

(Photo: Reuters)

India will construct a war memorial at Villers Guislain, a town around 200 km from Paris, to honour the valour and sacrifice of the thousands of its soldiers, sailors and airmen who fought for peace in the World War I.

This was announced by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on 19 June. "India will construct an Indian Armed Forces Memorial at Villers Guislain," she said. She added that this would be the second such memorial in Europe.

During World War I, Villers-Guislain witnessed a fierce battle in which the British Indian cavalry regiments were heavily involved. The town was liberated on 29 September 2018.

Swaraj, who arrived from Rome on 18 June on the second leg of her four-nation tour, addressed the Indian diaspora at a reception organised in her honour. She said that Indians in every part of the world carry India and its civilisational ethos in their heart.

She also handed over certificates of appreciation to Indian community organisation and individuals who have contributed to the Swacch Bharat Kosh. The minister also attended a ceremony held to name the Indian Culture Centre in the memory of Swami Vivekanand.

A bilateral Letter of Intent was signed between India and France in her presence on cooperation in the field of conservation of pre-historic ornate caves and rock shelters.

The document signed between the Ministry of Culture of India and the Ministry of Culture of France will aid conservation efforts at the Bhimbetka caves in India and the caves of Lascaux and Chauvet in France.

Swaraj also visited the India House, Maison de l'Inde, which is a hostel for Indian students in the University City of Paris. She addressed the Indian students and unveiled a plaque at the India Hostel to commemorate the golden jubilee of the landmark building.

"Bridging the gap between India and France through people-to-people connect! EAM @SushmaSwaraj with the Indian students staying at Maison de l'Inde or Indian hostel on the occasion of its 50th anniversary," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Swaraj also released a publication, 'States of India' aimed at increasing awareness of the business climate in various states of India and would prove to be a handy guide for French investors. Later, the minister left for Luxembourg for a two-day visit. She is the first external affairs minister from India to visit Luxembourg.