Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, laid a wreath at the Dar es Salaam Commonwealth War Memorial in Tanzania on November 11, 2026, in tribute to soldiers who died in the First World War.
The ceremony honoured the bravery and service of those who fought in the East African Campaign. General Subramani was accompanied by India’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Bishwadip Dey, and the Defence Adviser from the High Commission of India.
Indian troops in the East African Campaign
Fought from 1914 to 1918, the East African Campaign saw Allied forces engage German colonial troops across the region. Soldiers of the British Indian Army took part in military operations alongside troops from Britain and other parts of the British Empire.
Indian soldiers also served in other theatres of the First World War. In East Africa, they operated amid challenging terrain, tropical diseases and difficult climatic conditions, as well as prolonged military operations.
Remembering the fallen
The Dar es Salaam Commonwealth War Memorial commemorates servicemen who died during operations in East Africa. It honours the sacrifices of soldiers from different nations and communities who served in the conflict.
General Subramani’s wreath-laying paid homage to the fallen and recognised their courage and dedication. The ceremony also reflected India’s commitment to preserving its military history and remembering soldiers who served beyond the country’s borders.
