New Delhi, March 10 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday inaugurated the centenary commemorative exhibition on the sacrifice and gallantry of Indian soldiers in World War I.

In a comment in the visitor's book, the president said the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during World War I "in alien lands, fighting an unknown enemy, across alien cultures" were indeed commendable.

"Sustaining and continuing to maintain one's motivation over a period of more than four years could not have been possible without the faith and heritage of Indian soldierly values.

"The saga of unparalleled gallantry displayed by the Indians on the battle field ensured the victory of the Allies during the war," the president said in a statement.

"With over 70,000 martyrs and an equal number maimed and injured, the Indians left an everlasting impression for the future warriors of the Indian Armed Forces. This centenary commemoration is an apt recognition for the individual and collective sacrifices made by Indian soldiers. I commend the Indian Army for their superlative effort," he said.