New Delhi, July 26 (IANS) France is planning to pay tributes on the centenary of World War I to Indian soldiers who were killed in action, French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said here Friday.

Jean-Yves Le Drian, who is on a three day visit to India, held talks with Defence Minister A.K. Antony here.

The two ministers issued a joint statement that conveyed France's desire to honour Indian soldiers who fell during the World War I.

"The French defence minister also said that on the 100th anniversary of World War I, France is planning various projects to pay tribute to Indian soldiers who were killed in France during the War. The Indian side appreciated the same," the statement said.

According to the secretary, Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research, Squadron Leader (retd) Rana T.S. Chhina, 1,32,496 Indian soldiers served in France during World War I, and 8,455 of them died. 

The World War I was fought 1914-18, mostly on the European continent, but also in Africa, the Middle East and Pacific Islands and China, and claimed over 15 million lives.