External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today paid rich tributes to over 74,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I, saying they were examples of exemplary courage and valour in face of most dreadful adversities.
Swaraj was speaking after visiting an exhibition commemorating the World War I.
"It would not be an exaggeration to say that the modern tradition of discipline, bravery, competence and professionalism in the Indian Armed Forces is perhaps a legacy of the First World War," she said.
The Commemorative Exhibition titled 'India and World War I', has been organised by the Indian Armed Forces at Manekshaw Centre here and it showcases the sacrifice of Indian soldiers in the War.
"Even though we were not a free country then, we made a very significant contribution by way of men, material and finance to this war effort.
"No less a leader than Mahatma Gandhi, who had then just returned to India from South Africa, supported the war effort and actively sought to build support among the Indian public to contribute to this endeavour," Swaraj said.
