Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays a wreath at the Indian cemetery in Haifa, Israel, on Thursday. Forty-four Indian soldiers laid down their lives during the liberation of Haifa in 1918. The PM also unveiled a plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh, known as the “Hero of Haifa”, for his critical role in defeating the Ottoman Empire forces. PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the Indian contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon during a visit to the Indian Army Cemetery of the World War-I in the Israeli coastal city of Haifa. AFP
Simran Sodhi
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, July 6
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid homage to the Indian soldiers whose bravery was instrumental in securing the liberation of Haifa as he wrapped up his historic three-day Israel visit. The PM, accompanied by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, visited the Indian cemetery in Haifa and laid a wreath to honour the Indian soldiers. “This is the final resting place for 44 of the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I to liberate the city,” Modi said before visiting the site.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)Forty-four Indian soldiers were killed protecting Haifa from the Ottoman Turks in World War I. Major Dalpat Singh (MC) is known as the ‘Hero of Haifa’ for his critical role in the liberation of the city. He was awarded a military cross for his bravery.The Haifa war was fought on September 22-23 in 1918. The Indian Army celebrates September 23 as Haifa Day every year. Later in the day, PM Modi and Netanyahu attended the first meeting of India-Israel CEOs forum in Tel Aviv. As many as 12 strategic pacts envisaging investments worth $4.3 billion were signed between Indian and Israeli companies at the first meeting of CEO forum in Tel Aviv today, according to information released by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). “The forum identified and stressed on the need to realise opportunities in focus sectors identified during the first meeting of CEOs forum. There was a consensus that the current trade volume amounting to just over $ 4 billion has the potential to reach $20 billion in the next five years. To realise this goal, the forum underlined key recommendations to two heads of states,” FICCI said in its statement. After wrapping his rather successful visit, the PM left for the German city of Hamburg where world leaders have gathered to attend the G20 Summit. Previous ImageNext Image Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays a wreath at the Indian cemetery in Haifa, Israel, on Thursday. Forty-four Indian soldiers laid down their lives during the liberation of Haifa in 1918. The PM also unveiled a plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh, known as the “Hero of Haifa”, for his critical role in defeating the Ottoman Empire forces. PTI Simran Sodhi Tribune News Service New Delhi, July 6 Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid homage to the Indian soldiers whose bravery was instrumental in securing the liberation of Haifa as he wrapped up his historic three-day Israel visit. The PM, accompanied by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, visited the Indian cemetery in Haifa and laid a wreath to honour the Indian soldiers. “This is the final resting place for 44 of the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I to liberate the city,” Modi said before visiting the site. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Forty-four Indian soldiers were killed protecting Haifa from the Ottoman Turks in World War I. Major Dalpat Singh (MC) is known as the ‘Hero of Haifa’ for his critical role in the liberation of the city. He was awarded a military cross for his bravery. The Haifa war was fought on September 22-23 in 1918. The Indian Army celebrates September 23 as Haifa Day every year. Later in the day, PM Modi and Netanyahu attended the first meeting of India-Israel CEOs forum in Tel Aviv. As many as 12 strategic pacts envisaging investments worth $4.3 billion were signed between Indian and Israeli companies at the first meeting of CEO forum in Tel Aviv today, according to information released by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). “The forum identified and stressed on the need to realise opportunities in focus sectors identified during the first meeting of CEOs forum. There was a consensus that the current trade volume amounting to just over $ 4 billion has the potential to reach $20 billion in the next five years. To realise this goal, the forum underlined key recommendations to two heads of states,” FICCI said in its statement. After wrapping his rather successful visit, the PM left for the German city of Hamburg where world leaders have gathered to attend the G20 Summit.
PM pays tribute to Indian
VISIT ENDS On his last day in Israel, Modi visits cemetery of 44 soldiers who laid down their lives to liberate Haifa city
From page 01 TEL AVIV: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited the Indian cemetery in the Israeli city of Haifa and paid homage to Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the World War 1 while protecting the city from the powerful forces of the Ottoman Empire.
“This is the final resting place for 44 of the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I to liberate the city,” Modi had said before visiting the site.
The Indian Army commemorates September 23 every year as Haifa Day to pay its respects to the two brave Indian Cavalry Regiments that helped liberate the city following a dashing cavalry action by the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade.
“I am deeply honoured to stand here today to salute the valiant soldiers, who laid down their lives for the liberation of Haifa during the First World War,” the Prime Minister wrote in the visitors’ book.
He also wrote that next year, the centenary of the Battle of Haifa would present another opportunity to mark the enduring bond between India and Israel. In the autumn of 1918, the Indian Brigade was a part of the Allied Forces sweeping northwards through Palestine in what is seen as the last great cavalry campaign in history.
Captain Aman Singh Bahadur and Dafadar Jor Singh were awarded the Indian Order of Merit (IOM) and Captain Anop Singh and 2nd Lt Sagat Singh were awarded the Military Cross (MC) as recognition for their bravery in this battle.
Major Dalpat Singh (MC) is known in the annals of history as the ‘Hero of Haifa’ for his critical role in the Liberation of the city. He was awarded a military cross for his bravery.
In 2012, the municipality of Haifa decided to immortalise the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, many of whom are buried in the cemetery here, by including the stories of their valiant efforts in school curricula.
The municipality also decided to organise a ceremony every year to commemorate the role of the Indian Army in liberating the city from Turks after almost 402 years.
LEADERS LAUNCH INNOVATION BRIDGE
Modi, along with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, on Thursday launched an India-Israel Innovation Bridge designed to link start-up companies and innovators of the two countries. The bridge is aimed at benefitting Israeli companies and India in areas like agricultural technology, water technology and digital healthcare.
While India has 157.35 million hectares of agricultural land, there are over 500 Israeli agricultural technology companies.
Similarly, while India is the largest user of ground water, Israel is the largest investor in water technology.
There will be over 600 million people seeking affordable healthcare by 2018. Israel, with over 385 companies in the digital health sector, can provide a solution.
MODI MEETS INDIAN STUDENTS IN ISRAEL
PM Modi on Thursday also met a group of Indian students pursuing higher education in Israel.
“It was great to meet Indian students studying in Israel,” Modi said in a tweet.
The meeting, which took place at Dan Hotel, was the last programme scheduled during the PM’s historic three-day visit to the Jewish nation.
Addressing the Indian diaspora here at an event also attended by Netanyahu, Modi on Wednesday said almost 600 students from India are studying in different subjects in Israel and some of them are present here. “My young colleagues, you are like the bridge of technology and innovation between India and Israel. My friend Netanyahu and I believe …. that science, innovation and technology will be the main base for the future relations between India and Israel. That is why whatever you are learning here, will help strengthen India,” he had said.