Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseilles along with French President and French President Emmanuel Macron and paid tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the World wars.

PM Modi also laid a wreath at the cemetery.

Upon his arrival in the city in Southern France, the PM in a post on X said, “Landed in Marseille. 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!”

Meanwhile, the Indian community in Marseille expressed excitement and gratitude for the opening of the Indian Consulate, which will ease access to consular services and strengthen their connection with their homeland.

Members of the Indian diaspora expressed their appreciation for Prime Minister Modi’s visit and the positive impact the consulate will have on the community’s growth and well-being in France.

PM Modi is currently on a visit to France from February 10-12. He co-chaired the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday. Following this, PM Modi will visit the United States on February 12-13 and hold a meeting with US President Donald Trump and other senior leaders of the US administration.

PM Modi, upon his arrival in the French city of Marseille, highlighted the significance of the Indian Consulate in the city, which will play a key role in strengthening “people-to-people” ties between India and France.

Marseille is a key gateway for trade between India and France due to its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast, it is also among the entry points for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). (ANI)