Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the new Indian consulate in Marseille, France, on Wednesday, receiving a warm welcome from the Indian community.
PM Modi and Macron interacted with members of the Indian community who gathered outside the new consulate, waving Indian and French flags. The leaders were welcomed with the rhythmic beats of dhols ahead of the formal inauguration ceremony.
Tribute to Indian Soldiers at Mazargues War Cemetery
Earlier in the day, PM Modi, who arrived in Marseille from Paris on Tuesday night, joined President Macron in visiting the Mazargues War Cemetery. The two leaders honored the sacrifice of Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting in the two World Wars.
The two leaders honored the sacrifice of Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting in the two World Wars at the Mazargues War Cemetery. (Photo: Narendra Modi/X)
PM Modi is on a three-day visit to France, beginning Monday. As part of his engagements, he is expected to visit the site of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a significant international nuclear fusion collaboration. After wrapping up his commitments in France, he will depart for a two-day visit to the United States.
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Taking to social media, PM Modi shared, “President Macron and I reached Marseille a short while ago. This visit will witness important programmes aimed at further connecting India and France. The Indian consulate which is being inaugurated will deepen people-to-people linkages. I will also pay homage to the Indian soldiers martyred in the First and Second World Wars.”
Homage to Veer Savarkar
Upon his arrival in Marseille, PM Modi paid tribute to Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar, recalling his historic attempted escape from British captivity in the city.
“In India’s quest for freedom, this city holds special significance. It was here that the great Veer Savarkar attempted a courageous escape. I also want to thank the people of Marseille and the French activists of that time who demanded that he not be handed over to British custody. The bravery of Veer Savarkar continues to inspire generations!” he tweeted.
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Savarkar’s attempted escape from British custody occurred on July 8, 1910, when he slipped out of a ship’s porthole and swam ashore, only to be recaptured by the French authorities and later handed back to the British. His subsequent life imprisonment at Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands remains a significant episode in India’s freedom struggle.
Upon his arrival in Marseille, PM Modi paid tribute to Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar, recalling his historic attempted escape from British captivity in the city. (Photo: Narendra Modi/X)
Diplomatic and Business Engagements
Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi and President Macron addressed the AI Action Summit and attended the 14th India-France CEOs Forum in Paris. As part of his diplomatic meetings, the Prime Minister also held discussions with US Vice President JD Vance and Google CEO Sundar Pichai.
This marks PM Modi’s sixth visit to France. Following his engagements in France, he will head to the United States for his first visit since President Donald Trump took office last month.
