In commemorating the heroes of the World Wars, it is essential to recognise the efforts and hardships of these overlooked Indian warriors. Their narratives exemplify both valour and perseverance, while simultaneously serving as a poignant reminder of the harsh truths of colonial exploitation and racial injustice. Today, their legacy stands as a powerful emblem of the struggle for dignity, equality, and acknowledgment? principles that persist throughout India's post-colonial trajectory.

Although the British Empire may not have acknowledged them during their age, it is now history's duty to guarantee that their accomplishments are commemorated, esteemed, and honoured for future generations.

The British Indian Army, a formidable force comprised of volunteers, played a pivotal part in both World War I and World War II. Countless Indian soldiers were enlisted to serve the British Empire, deployed in diverse battle zones spanning Europe, Africa, and Asia. Nevertheless, despite the recognition and praise for their courage and contributions, these troops were systematically exposed to bigotry and discrimination within the institution they dedicated themselves to. This article examines the racial discrimination experienced by Indian troops serving in the British Indian Army during the two World Wars. 

The British colonial administration in India conducted extensive recruitment campaigns to enlist Indian soldiers into the British Indian Army during World Wars I and II. Although these campaigns were successful in terms of numbers, they frequently employed highly unethical methods and made numerous promises to the recruits that were not kept after the wars concluded. This article delves into the unscrupulous practices, promises, and post-war realities that resulted in widespread disillusionment among the soldiers and their families, as well as the methods by which the British government recruited Indian soldiers.

Preamble

The European theatre of World War II reached its zenith with the capture of Berlin in April-May 1945. The geopolitical restructuring of post-war Europe was initiated by this pivotal event, which also signalled the imminent collapse of Nazi Germany. The Soviet Union was the initial Allied nation to enter and capture Berlin, while Western Allied forces, which included American, British, and French personnel, advanced from the west. In this article, the strategic decisions made by the Allied forces, the profound implications of Berlin's capture on the post-war world order, and the intricate details of the Battle of Berlin are examined, with a particular emphasis on the overlooked contributions and subsequent marginalisation of Indian soldiers.

When the war ended, many returning veterans were enraged that their positions had been seized, notably by African Americans. Black labourers already had a bad reputation among the White working community because they were used as low-wage strike breakers, or "scabs," to keep factories open while employees went on strike. The situation deteriorated following the Russian Revolution of 1917. Many government and others suspected Black labourers of being Bolshevik and anarchist pawns, despite a lack of evidence.
Photograph by Jun Fujita, courtesy of Chicago History Museum, ICHi-65477.

India made significant contributions to both World War I and World War II, offering substantial manpower, resources, and financial assistance to the operations of the Allied forces. Notwithstanding these substantial contributions, India did not get direct reparation following the wars and was excluded from the Marshall Plan. This paper examines the historical backdrop, geopolitical dynamics, and economic elements that contributed to this scenario, investigating the causes for India's absence of acknowledgement and reparation.

Key Events and Context: India's Exclusion from the Yalta Conference

Held in February 1945, the Yalta Conference was a pivotal gathering during World War II whereby Allied power leaders—President Franklin D. Roosevelt of the United States, Prime Minister Winston Churchill of the United Kingdom, and Premier Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union—discussed the post-war reorganisation of Europe and the world. India's marginalising in this meeting can be ascribed to a number of causes.

The initiation of World War II by Germany was primarily driven by the aggressive expansionist policies of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime, but it also had deep roots in the economic, political, and social conditions of post-World War I Europe. The factors contributing to Germany's initiation of World War II can be broadly categorised into ideological, geopolitical, economic, and military aspects.

The initiation of World War I by Germany was the result of a complex interplay of political, economic, military, and social factors. To comprehend why Germany took actions that precipitated the outbreak of the war, one must delve into the broader geopolitical context of early 20th-century Europe. This article explores the motivations and circumstances that influenced Germany's decisions, shedding light on the intricate web of alliances, national ambitions, and tensions that culminated in the devastating conflict.

The Nazi regime under Adolf Hitler is infamous for its systematic and brutal persecution of Jews, culminating in the Holocaust—the genocide of six million Jews during World War II. Understanding the roots of this intense hatred and the reasons why Hitler and the Nazi Party targeted Jews involves delving into a complex interplay of historical anti-Semitism, ideological beliefs, socio-political dynamics, and economic conditions in early 20th-century Europe. This article explores these factors in detail, tracing the origins and impact of Nazi anti-Semitism.

Introduction

World War I, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict that saw nations from around the world come together to confront an unprecedented challenge. India, then under British colonial rule, played a significant role in this war effort by sending troops to serve in the British Indian Army. These soldiers came from various faiths and backgrounds, reflecting the incredible diversity of the Indian subcontinent. While precise numbers for each faith are challenging to ascertain, this article aims to shed light on the remarkable religious diversity among Indian volunteers during WWI.

Armistice Day or Remembrance Day 

November 11th is a day of global significance, known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in many parts of the world. It is a day to pay tribute to the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives during World War I. While we often remember the soldiers who fought on the Western Front, it's equally important to remember the lesser-known heroes of this global conflict. Among them are the nearly 1.5 million Indian soldiers who joined the Allied forces to defend Europe during WWI. This article is a call to the current generation to honour and remember these forgotten heroes on November 11th.