110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme

That this House commemorates the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 2026; remembers all those who fought and lost their lives during one of the most significant and tragic battles of the First World War; recognises the immense contribution and sacrifice made by soldiers from undivided India who served on the Western Front in France and Belgium alongside British, French and Allied forces; notes that more than 1.3 million Indian soldiers served during the First World War and over 74,000 lost their lives; acknowledges that the role of Indian soldiers at the Somme and across the Western Front remains under-represented in public remembrance and historical education; welcomes the work of Mission Marigold and other remembrance initiatives seeking to promote awareness of the shared history between Britain, India and France; further welcomes efforts by schools, community organisations, veterans groups and public institutions to educate younger generations about the contribution of Indian soldiers; further recognises the importance of remembrance in promoting peace, understanding and friendship between nations; and encourages communities across the United Kingdom to mark the anniversary through acts of remembrance, education and reflection.