Armistice Day: Tribute to British army Indian fighters

Today, Armistice Day, will remember the contributions of more than 3.5million soldiers from the Asian subcontinent who came to these shores to fight in two World Wars.

During World War I, Muslim troops in the Indian Army fought on the Western Front. India sent more than 1million troops. More than 47,000 died and 65,000 were wounded.

In World War II, 2.5million men and women fought for Britain, with 36,092 killed, 64,354 wounded and almost 80,000 taken prisoner.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) today 'pays tribute to the heroism and sacrifice of Muslims in the Armed Forces. They state:

'There are many Muslims who serve in the Armed Forces today, they follow generations of Muslims who have sacrificed their lives in two World Wars. Remembrance Sunday should serve as a reminder to all of us that all faith communities, including Muslims, laid down their lives for this country'.

Last year, the MCB published Remembering the Brave highlighting the long-standing and continued support from British Muslims for the Armed Forces.

They have republished the document ahead of Remembrance Sunday outlinings the historic contribution of Muslims to the defence of the British nation. The document also covers the current contribution of British Muslims to the UK military.

MCB state: 'Remembering the Brave' acknowledges that the operations which the Armed Forces are engaged in today are deeply controversial. But that is not simply a concern amongst Muslims; it is shared by other British people also'.

The Muslim Council of Britain's Secretary General Farooq Murad added: "We need to remind not only the Muslim community but also the general public that the Muslim contribution to the defence of this nation runs deep. Many Muslims will be joining fellow Britons this Sunday to remember those who made deep sacrifices for this country".

In July this year, the MCB leadership joined HRH The Prince of Wales in a special ceremony in France to honour the thousands of Commonwealth soldiers who died during the First World War.