February 12, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron received a warm welcome from the Indian community as they jointly inaugurated the new Indian consulate in Marseille on Wednesday. The event marked a significant step in strengthening diplomatic and people-to-people ties between India and France.
The two leaders interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, who had gathered outside the consulate, waving flags of both nations. The atmosphere was vibrant with the sound of dhols resonating through the streets, adding a celebratory touch to the occasion.
Prior to the inauguration, PM Modi and President Macron visited the Mazargues War Cemetery to pay homage to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the First and Second World Wars. The Prime Minister emphasized the deep historical ties between the two countries, acknowledging the role of Indian soldiers in global conflicts.
In a social media post, PM Modi highlighted the significance of his visit, stating, "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."
PM Modi also paid tribute to Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar, recalling his attempted escape from British custody in Marseille in 1910. "In India's quest for freedom, this city holds special significance. It was here that the great Veer Savarkar attempted a courageous escape. The bravery of Veer Savarkar continues to inspire generations!" he said.
The Prime Minister’s visit to France, which began on Monday, includes a scheduled tour of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a major international nuclear fusion research collaboration. Following the conclusion of his engagements in France, PM Modi will travel to the United States for a two-day visit.
On Tuesday, PM Modi and President Macron addressed the AI Action Summit in Paris and attended the 14th India-France CEOs Forum, where they discussed key areas of cooperation in technology, trade, and investment. The Prime Minister also held discussions with US Vice President JD Vance and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, focusing on innovation and digital transformation.
This marks PM Modi's sixth visit to France, reaffirming the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. His visit comes at a crucial time as both countries continue to enhance strategic and economic partnerships.