What Does PM Modi’s Upcoming Visit to Egypt’s Heliopolis War Cemetery Mean for India?

On June 25, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go to Egypt’s Heliopolis War Cemetery for a significant visit. The Prime Minister places a great deal of significance on this sad occasion as he pays respect to the heroic Indian troops who bravely fought alongside Egyptian soldiers during World War I. PM Modi’s visit to the war cemetery is a part of his two-day state visit to Egypt, which was kindly extended by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. It represents the ongoing relationship between India and Egypt.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission keeps the Heliopolis War Cemetery, which is located on Nabil el Wakkad Street, in immaculate condition. It also acts as a moving tribute for the Indian troops who fought in the British Indian Army during the First World War in Egypt and Palestine among its 83 war graves of all nationalities. Due of the tragic lack of known burials for these valiant men, this cemetery is a necessary location to respect their sacrifice and remember their service.

Shri Ramachandran Swaminathan, the Indian ambassador to Egypt, presented panels with the names of the deceased troops at a ceremony in October 1980. These panels are proudly displayed at the entry pavilions as a reminder of the close ties that Egypt and India formerly enjoyed and the sacrifices that they both made during a trying time in history.

Badlu Singh, an Indian soldier who received the prestigious Victoria Cross, is one of the respected people buried at this holy place. This esteemed honour is given to British and Commonwealth personnel in recognition of outstanding courage in the face of the enemy. Singh, a risaldar in the British Indian Army and a native of Rohtak, Haryana, bravely fought in the First World War. His presence at the cemetery is evidence of the bravery and devotion of the Indian warriors.

The Heliopolis War Cemetery was the mournful place where the Indian Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, paid his homage in 2022, honouring the memory of the Indian troops who gave their life in Egypt and Palestine during the First World War. This action underlines the graveyard’s importance and India’s unwavering appreciation for its valiant troops.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sombre visit to Egypt represents a profound understanding of the common history between Egypt and India as well as a sincere homage to the brave Indian troops who fought overseas.