New Delhi/Paris, Nov 11 (UNI) World leaders gathered in Paris to observe the World War I Armistice
Day centenary on Sunday and pay homage to the more than nine million soldiers who laid down
their lives.
India was represented by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and his wife Usha at WWI Armistice Day
centenary along with other world leaders at the historic Arc De Triomphe.
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin were among those who gathered
for a service beneath the historic Arc de Triomphe.
French President Emmanuel Macron and other dignitaries marched to the arch in the rain, under black
umbrellas as church bells tolled throughout the city on the momentous occasion.
Some 9.7 million soldiers and 10 million civilians died in the war which lasted from 1914 to 1918.
Earlier, the Vice President arrived at the Elysee Palace in the French capital in a ceremony to commemorate
the Armistice 100 of first World War and participate in the Paris Peace Forum, organised by the French
Government.
'Being received by the President of France, Mr Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, France,
in a ceremony to commemorate the #Armistice100 of first World War and participate in the #ParisPeaceForum,
organised by the Government of France in Paris, today,' he tweeted.
During the reception hosted by the French President, Mr Naidu congratulated Mr Macron on the initiative
to organise Armistice centenary and Paris Peace Forum 2018.
He also met US President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Kenyan President U Kenyatta,
Turkish President Erdogan and other world leaders at a banquet hosted by Mr Macron.
The Vice-President is in Paris, France to attend the centenary year of end of First World War. He will also be participating at a global event at Arc d’ Trionphe in which he will pay homage to the martyrs of World War I.
He was also scheduled to take part in the Paris Peace Forum.
The Vice President in a tweet said: 'Today on the occasion of 100th Anniversary of #ArmisticeDay that marked the end of World War 1, I join the nation in paying homage to Indian soldiers who fought selflessly for human liberty and freedom. Their valour & sense of duty reaffirmed India's commitment to righteousness.'
On Saturday he inaugurated the Indian Armed Forces Memorial at Villers Guislain as a tribute to several
thousands of Indian soldiers whose gallantry and dedication have earned worldwide recognition.
Mr Naidu’s visit France assumes significance as India and France are celebrating two decades of strategic partnership this year, according to a statement issued in New Delhi on Saturday.
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