Punjab Regiment soldiers set to march in Bastille Day Parade

In a historic development, soldiers from the Punjab Regiment are set to march in Paris in the Bastille Day Parade after 107 years. There is evidence from the First World War of the contribution of Indian soldiers, possibly from the Sikh Regiment, fighting alongside French forces. More than 100 years later, soldiers from the Punjab regiment—now part of the Indian Army are preparing to leave for France.
The soldiers from the Punjab Regiment will participate in the Bastille Day parade in Paris, scheduled to take place on 14 July. This year’s parade holds greater significance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited as the Guest of Honour for France’s National Day. According to a release from the Ministry of Defence an Army contingent of 77 marching personnel, 38 members of the Band, as well as a Navy and Air Force contingent will be part of the parade. Rafale fighter jets will also form part of the flypast. It further said, “The Army contingent is being represented by the Punjab Regiment which is one of the oldest Regiments of the Indian Army. The troops of the Regiment have participated in both the World Wars as well as the post-independence operations.”
The Punjab regiment has participated in both World Wars and various post-independence operations. During World War I, the Regiment received 18 Battle and Theatre Honours, fighting in locations such as Mesopotamia, Gallipoli, Palestine, Egypt, China, Hong Kong, Damascus, and France. During World War II, 2.5 million Indian soldiers made notable contributions in various theatres of the war, including France. Prime Minister Modi will attend the Bastille Day Parade on the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership. The PM was invited by French President Emmanuel Macron to attend. PM Modi’s visit is expected to herald the next phase in the India-France Strategic Partnership by setting new and ambitious goals for our strategic, cultural, scientific, academic, and economic cooperation, including in a wide range of industries.