Aakhir Tak – In Shorts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated a new Indian consulate in Marseille. The leaders met and greeted members of the Indian community. Modi and Macron paid respects to Indian soldiers who died in both World Wars. The Prime Minister recalled Veer Savarkar’s courageous escape from Marseille. Modi will travel to the United States after his visit to France.
Aakhir Tak – In Depth
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday inaugurated the new Indian consulate in Marseille, southern France. The Indian community warmly welcomed both leaders. This new consulate signifies a strengthening of diplomatic ties.
Prime Minister Modi and President Macron met and interacted with members of the Indian community waving flags of India and France outside the new consulate. They were welcomed with the sound of dhols ahead of the inauguration. This act highlights the growing friendship between the two nations. The establishment of the new consulate is also expected to further boost cultural exchanges and business opportunities.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi, who arrived in Marseille from Paris on Tuesday night, and Macron visited the Mazargues War Cemetery. They honored the sacrifice of Indian soldiers who died fighting in the two World Wars. This visit underscored the shared history and respect between India and France.
The Prime Minister, who is on a three-day visit to France beginning Monday, is scheduled to tour the site of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project. ITER is an international nuclear fusion collaboration, highlighting France’s commitment to scientific advancement. Following his engagements in France, he will depart for the US on a two-day visit. This will be the prime minister’s first visit after President Trump took office last month.
“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,” he tweeted.
PM Modi also paid homage to Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar upon his arrival in Marseille. He stated that the freedom fighter “attempted a courageous escape” from 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.
During British colonial rule, Savarkar attempted an escape from captivity on July 8, 1910. He was being transported on board the British ship Morea to India to stand trial. His escape, though ultimately unsuccessful, has become a symbol of defiance against colonial rule.
He is known to have slipped out of the ship’s porthole and managed to swim ashore before being captured by the French authorities and then handed back into the custody of the British ship authorities. It triggered a major diplomatic row. Savarkar was sentenced to life imprisonment at Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This incident is a notable part of Indian history.
Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi and Macron addressed the AI Action Summit and attended the 14th India-France CEOs Forum in Paris. During his visit, the Prime Minister met US Vice President JD Vance and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. This is PM Modi’s sixth visit to France, signifying the strong bond between the two countries. From France, the Prime Minister will travel to the US, his first since President Donald Trump took office last month.
Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember
The inauguration of the new Indian consulate in Marseille strengthens India-France relations. PM Modi and President Macron engaged with the Indian community and honored Veer Savarkar. The event exemplifies the India-France partnership.
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