Final answer:
Indian participation in WWI was pivotal, contributing to the rise of Indian nationalism and demands for independence due to Britain's failure to grant more rights post-war, despite over 700,000 Indian soldiers' significant contributions to the British war effort.
Step-by-step explanation:
The involvement of Indians fighting in WWI was significant on several fronts. Most notably, it set the stage for increased Indian nationalism and a push for independence from British colonial rule. During World War I, over 700,000 Indian soldiers fought for Britain, with significant contributions in various theaters including Mesopotamia, Europe, and Africa. Expectations were raised that the British might reward these efforts with greater rights post-war, however, the British reluctance to introduce changes fueled Indian nationalist movements. The Indian soldiers' experience shone a harsh light on the discriminatory practices within the imperial powers and underscored the chasm between the contribution of colonial subjects and their treatment by colonial rulers.
Indian participation also underscored the global nature of the conflict and the reliance of imperial powers on their colonies. Their involvement was not just a military contribution; it also became a critical point in the larger narrative of independence and decolonization movements of the 20th century. The service of Indian troops in WWI, followed by their immense contribution in WWII, where over 2.5 million Indian soldiers served, highlighted the Indian Army's vital role in Britain's wartime efforts.