Have the Indian soldiers who fought with Anzac forces in Gallipoli been neglected?

While Indian soldiers made significant contributions during the Gallipoli campaign in 1915, their role remains largely forgotten amid a 'White Australia narrative', a prominent historian says.

Army service people march during the parade through Brisbane. Anzac Day is a commemorative public holiday in remembrance of Australian and New Zealand service people. Credit: Joshua Prieto / SOPA Images/Sipa USA/AAP Image

A recent commemoration event at the Australian India Institute (AII) in Melbourne highlighted the historical bond between the Anzacs and Indian troops, stemming from their alliance during the Gallipoli campaign.

The event titled "The Anzac India Story" brought together a select gathering, including Indian Consul General Sushil Kumar, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts, AII CEO Lisa Singh, Australian historian Professor Peter Stanley, as well as former members of the Indian Armed Forces.

Tim Watts (centre), the Australian minister, joined Sushil Kumar (Right), the Indian Consul General, and Lisa Singh (Left), CEO of the Australia India Institute, at an Anzac event on 22 April. Credit: SBS Hindi

In his keynote address, Stanley, a former historian at the Australian War Memorial and the author of Die in Battle, Do not Despair: The Indians on Gallipoli 1915, argued that the role of Indian troops was greater than widely believed.

"The Gallipoli story is a story that many Australians know, but it's basically a White Australian story ... However, it was a campaign that involved allies - New Zealanders, Australians, British, French and also Indians ... So, it's an international story from the start, and there is an international dimension," Stanley said.

Professor Peter Stanley (R) with Col Kenneth Christopher, an ex-serviceman of the Indian Armed Forces. Credit: SBS Hindi

"Gallipoli studies became internationalised in the 21st century ... the British began to look at others' experiences. My book emerged as part of this trend, where an Australian historian told an Indian story," Stanley said.

"The Indians are now such an important and growing part of Australia that Australians ought to recognise them as a part of what we traditionally see as Australian military history," he added.

"It's also about fairness ... Somehow in history the Indians have missed out, they ought to be accorded the respect of being acknowledged at least," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Lisa Singh said that while Gallipoli stories were well-documented, the contribution of 16,000 Indian troops has been often overlooked.

Lisa Singh, Australia India Institute's CEO, with the group of ex-servicemen of Indian Armed Forces who visited the institute recently. Credit: SBS Hindi

"The battle at Gallipoli saw the beginning of a dynamic connection between Australia and India. However, it is a connection forged not only in history but in their shared pursuit of progress, prosperity and peace today," she said.

Watts said, "it's clear that Indians and Australian soldiers bonded in the Gallipoli battle and had deep respect for each other."

Australian minister Tim Watts with an Air Marshal Ajit S Bhonsle, an ex-serviceman of the Indian armed forces. Credit: SBS Hindi

"On Anzac Day this year, Australians, New Zealanders and our Indian friends will come together to commemorate those sacrifices," he said.

Colonel Vijay Vasudev, who served in the Indian army from 1979 until 2011, revealed that he only learned about the involvement of Indian troops in Gallipoli during a visit to Sydney in 2018.

Colonel Vijay Vasudev (L), an ex-serviceman of Indian army, with Indian Consul General of Melbourne Sushil Kumar. Credit: SBS Hindi

"I believe it's important to highlight and create awareness regarding the age-old military ties between Australia and India," he said.

Colonel Rajesh Kaswan, who served in the Sikh Light Infantry of the Indian army, echoed similar sentiments.

Colonel Rajesh Kaswan (L) and Air Marshal Ajit S Bhonsle (R) are both ex-servicemen of Indian armed forces. Credit: SBS Hindi

"I hope that the sacrifices and courageous deeds of the Indian armed forces in Gallipoli are fully acknowledged in the future, through public initiatives and forums," he said.

Every year on 25 April, Australia and New Zealand commemorate Anzac Day to remember the arrival of their troops on Turkey's Gallipoli peninsula in 1915 during World War One.

This day pays tribute to the Anzacs from both nations, along with soldiers from other countries, including India, who fought alongside them.

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