Marseille witnessed an enthusiastic reception for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived in the French city on Tuesday. The Indian diaspora gathered at a hotel to greet him, expressing excitement over his visit to the south of France. Among them, Utkarsh, a community member, shared his joy at meeting the prime minister, emphasizing that Modi’s visit would significantly enhance the India-France relationship. He recalled PM Modi’s gratitude toward the people who had waited to welcome him late at night.
PM Modi’s visit to Marseille is particularly significant as he and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to inaugurate India’s second diplomatic mission in France—the Indian consulate in Marseille. This move is expected to bolster people-to-people ties and deepen diplomatic relations between the two nations. Marseille, given its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast, serves as a crucial trade gateway between India and France and plays a vital role in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
During his stay, the prime minister also highlighted the historical significance of Marseille in India’s freedom struggle. He paid tribute to Veer Savarkar’s daring escape attempt in the city and acknowledged the French activists who had supported Savarkar and resisted his extradition to British custody. Taking to social media, PM Modi expressed gratitude to the people of Marseille for their role in that chapter of India’s history, adding that Savarkar’s bravery continues to inspire generations.
Apart from strengthening bilateral ties and honoring India’s history, PM Modi also emphasized the contribution of Indian soldiers in global conflicts. He announced that he would pay tribute to the martyrs of the First and Second World Wars, recognizing their sacrifices.
The visit also includes a tour of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a landmark collaboration in nuclear fusion research. PM Modi and President Macron’s engagement in this initiative underscores the shared commitment of both nations to technological advancements and clean energy solutions.
Meanwhile, in Paris, PM Modi addressed the India-France CEO Forum, stressing the crucial role of economic collaboration between the two nations. He described the forum as more than just a business event, calling it a convergence of innovation, trust, and shared values. Speaking about India and France’s long-standing friendship, he stated that the two countries are not just connected by democratic principles but are working together to solve global challenges.
Concluding his engagements, PM Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit with President Macron. The summit brought together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts, highlighting the collaborative efforts of India and France in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
