PM Modi, Macron inaugurate Indian Consulate, visit cemetery in France's Marseille

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the Indian Consulate. (Image: X/narendramodi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited the historic Mazargues Cemetery in Marseille along with French President Emmanuel Macron and also inaugurated the Indian Consulate.

This development came on the third and final day of PM Modi's visit to France.

At the cemetery, PM Modi paid tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I and World War II, many of whom are cremated there.

At Mazargues War Cemetery, President @EmmanuelMacron and I paid homage to the soldiers who fought in the World Wars. This includes several Indian soldiers who valiantly fought and displayed utmost grit.All the brave soldiers answered the call of duty and fought with pic.twitter.com/p0tJ3646qi
Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2025

Noting that freedom fighter Veer Savarkar attempted a "courageous escape" in Marseille, PM Modi wrote on X, "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!"

Landed in Marseille. In Indias 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 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 11, 2025

While inaugurating the Indian consulate, PM Modi said that it will deepen ties between the two countries.

"President Emmanuel Macron and I inaugurated the Indian Consulate in this vibrant city, marking a new chapter in India-France ties. This consulate will serve as an important bridge, strengthening our cultural, economic and people-to-people connections," PM Modi wrote on X.

A historic moment in Marseille!President @EmmanuelMacron and I inaugurated the Indian Consulate in this vibrant city, marking a new chapter in India-France ties. This consulate will serve as an important bridge, strengthening our cultural, economic and people-to-people pic.twitter.com/xXRH13mzON Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2025

He added, "On this special opening, I thank the French Government and congratulate the Indian diaspora."