New Delhi (Sputnik) — Despite its 69 years of independence, India's government and society are commemorating a battle which it fought in the year 1897 with Afghanistan, while the country was under British rule.
Earlier this week, Manohar Parrikar, India’s Defense Minister, along with two of his fellow senior cabinet colleagues, attended a function dedicated to the premiere of a Hindi short film: ‘Battle of Saragarhi’.
The little-known story of this battle has become talk of the twitterverse, and many are glorifying the 21 brave Sikh soldiers who defeated more than 10,000 tribes of Afghanistan while defending an army post which lies in modern-day Pakistan. The Sikh Soldiers were fighting for the British Raj, the UK's colonial government.
Commemorating #BattleOfSaragarhi with Shri @manoharparrikar & Shri @nitin_gadkari.A Film on brave martyrs comg soon pic.twitter.com/kB7IVayrEC
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) September 12, 2016
#BattleofSaragarhi —21 soldrs of 36 now 4 Sikh fought 10000 Afghan invaders- A shining moment in Indian Mil History pic.twitter.com/0lJ6mLN5Yb
— ADG PI — INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) September 12, 2016
The timing of this incident is bit surprising, as Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday. While economic issues will be discussed with Indian business leaders, the focus would be on a 'wish list' prepared by Afghanistan, which seeks help in the form of lethal military equipment from India.
“The upcoming visit will provide an opportunity to continue the close and frequent consultations between the two friendly neighbors, including at the highest level,” reads a statement released by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Afghanistan wants India to transfer some of its most lethal weapons, including Russian-made Mi-25 and Mi-35 to the fledgling Afghan National Army and also to assist in the restoration of its Soviet-era tank and ammunition factories. Apart from attack and utility helicopters, the request list also includes artillery, ammunition, tanks and trainers. Last year in December, India agreed to supply four Mi-24/25 attack helicopters to Afghanistan.
Saragarhi on Samana Ridge as seen today. Could friends from Pakistan post latest photos! pic.twitter.com/SN32IxEvdN
— Lt Gen H S Panag(R) (@rwac48) September 13, 2016
