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PM Modi Ethiopia Visit: PM Modi remembered the historic battle of 1941 in Ethiopia, when Indian soldiers fought for the independence of Ethiopia during the Second World War. From Karen to Addis Ababa, the bravery of Indians changed the course of history. The battle of Keren in February-March 1941 was the turning point of this campaign. Let’s read its complete story.
PM Modi Ethiopia Visit News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned a war of 1941 in the Ethiopian Parliament. This was not just a historical reference but a remembrance of the shared struggle and sacrifice of India and Africa. During his address in Addis Ababa, PM Modi told how Indian soldiers fought for the independence of Ethiopia during the Second World War. On hearing this mention, the House erupted in applause and an almost forgotten chapter of history came alive again.
Earlier, PM Modi had paid tribute at the Adwa Victory Memorial, which symbolizes Ethiopia’s historic victory against Italy in 1896. Standing on the same land and mentioning the war of 1941 shows that the relations between India and Ethiopia are not limited to diplomacy only, but are linked to blood, sweat and common struggle.
What was the war of 1941?
The year 1941 was a period of turmoil for the entire world. World War II was at its peak and Italy had already occupied Ethiopia and made it its colony in 1935–36. Italy formed ‘Italian East Africa’ by combining Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somaliland. When Italy entered the war in 1940, the British Empire made a strategy to liberate this area.
Credit: ibiblio.org
Why and how did Indian soldiers reach Ethiopia?
Thousands of Indian soldiers were sent to the East African Campaign as part of the British Army. From January 1941, the 4th and 5th Indian Infantry Divisions under the command of British General William Platt attacked Eritrea via Sudan. South African and other allied forces advanced through Kenya from the south. The role of Indian soldiers proved to be decisive in this difficult mountainous battle in the North.
Battle of Keren: Where Indians made history
The battle of Keren in February-March 1941 was the turning point of this campaign. The Italian army had established strong barricades in the inaccessible mountain passes of Eritrea. The Rajputana Rifles, Sikh Regiment and other Indian troops refused to retreat even after suffering heavy losses. This victory proved to be the backbone of Italian resistance.
How was Ethiopia’s independence restored?
After Keren, Indian and allied forces advanced rapidly inside Ethiopia. At the Battle of Amba Alagi, the Italian commander, the Duke of Aosta, surrendered. On 5 May 1941, Emperor Haile Selassie returned to the capital Addis Ababa and Ethiopia’s independence was restored. Indian soldiers fought shoulder to shoulder with Ethiopian guerrilla fighters ‘Arbegnoch’.
Credit: Wikiwand
The historical war of 1941 at a glance
- East Africa Campaign during World War II.
- Thousands of Indian soldiers became part of the British Army.
- Decisive role of Indian regiments in the battle of Keren.
- Surrender of the Italian commander at Amba Alagi.
- Ethiopia’s independence restored on 5 May 1941.
- About 70,000 Allied forces defeated more than 3 lakh Italian soldiers.
Why is this mention of PM Modi important even today?
Remembering this war of 1941 by PM Modi was not only a salute to history, but also to underline the depth of India-Africa relations. This story tells that Indian soldiers fought not only for their country but also for freedom and justice in the world. This is the reason why the bravery of Indian soldiers is remembered with respect even today in Ethiopia.
