Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Marseille, southern France, late Tuesday night, and paid homage to freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, who had attempted a daring escape at the city’s port in 1910.
"Land 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,” PM Modi posted on microblogging site X soon after his arrival. He expressed gratitude to the people of Marseille and French activists of the time who had opposed Savarkar’s extradition to British authorities.
Savarkar had attempted to escape while being transported on board the British ship Morea to India for trial. He slipped out through the porthole, swam ashore, and was briefly in French custody before being handed back to the British, leading to a major diplomatic row. He was later sentenced to life imprisonment at the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
PM Modi is in Marseille for the inauguration of the new Consulate General of India alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders are scheduled to visit the Mazargues War Cemetery on Wednesday to pay tribute to Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the World Wars.
Earlier in the day, addressing the 14th India-France CEOs Forum in Paris, PM Modi encouraged French businesses to invest in India, calling it the “right time” to capitalise on the country’s growth. Addressing an audience of French and Indian business leaders, he underscored India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy with a stable political environment and predictable policy framework.
"When France’s finesse and India’s scale meet… When India’s pace and France’s precision join… When France’s technology and India’s talent unite… Then, not just the business landscape, but global transformation will happen," PM Modi remarked.
He pointed to India’s booming aviation sector, noting that Indian companies had placed large aircraft orders and that 120 new airports were being developed. He also highlighted opportunities for French investments in aerospace, ports, defence, electronics, dairy, chemicals, and consumer goods.
"India and France are not just linked by democratic values. Our partnership is built on deep trust, innovation, and public welfare," he said, referring to the 2047 roadmap for long-term strategic collaboration established during his last visit.
President Macron also attended the CEOs Forum, along with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot. The forum, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), brought together top executives from key sectors, including defence, critical and emerging technologies, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, life sciences, and hospitality.
PM Modi later took to X, remarking that the India-France CEO Forum was instrumental in strengthening economic ties and fostering innovation. “It is gladdening to see business leaders from both nations collaborate and create new opportunities across key sectors. This drives growth, investment, and ensures a better future for the coming generations,” he wrote.
Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi addressed the AI Action Summit, where India and France discussed cooperation in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. He also visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a global nuclear fusion research initiative in which India is a key partner.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
