Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with great enthusiasm by the Indian diaspora upon his arrival in Marseille on Tuesday (local time). At a hotel in the city, the Prime Minister met with members of the community, who expressed their excitement about his visit and its potential to enhance India-France relations.
Utkarsh, a member of the diaspora, shared his joy about meeting PM Modi, highlighting the significance of the visit. “I felt very happy after meeting PM Modi. This was his first visit to the South of France, Marseille. He thanked us for waiting for him at night. His visit will play a crucial role in strengthening India-France ties,” he said.
Another community member, Priyanka Sharma, expressed her happiness about meeting the Prime Minister after living in the city for four years. “We’ve been here for four years, and finally, I got the chance to meet PM Modi. He was very happy to meet us, and we were equally thrilled,” she said.
Following his arrival, PM Modi spoke about the importance of the newly inaugurated Indian Consulate in Marseille, which is expected to play a key role in enhancing people-to-people connections between India and France. The consulate will serve as India’s second diplomatic mission in France, after the Embassy in Paris.
Marseille, with its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast, is an important hub for trade between India and France. It is also one of the entry points for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
PM Modi also took the opportunity to pay tribute to Indian soldiers who were martyred during the First and Second World Wars. He shared on social media, “President Macron and I recently arrived in Marseille. This visit will be marked by important programmes aimed at strengthening ties between India and France. The Indian Consulate being inaugurated will deepen people-to-people connections. I will also pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who fell as martyrs in the First and Second World Wars.”
Along with French President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi will visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a major international collaboration focused on nuclear fusion research.
Earlier, PM Modi also acknowledged Marseille’s historical importance in India’s freedom struggle, particularly recalling the courageous escape attempt by Veer Savarkar and thanking the French activists who supported him. “Landed in Marseille. This city holds special significance in India’s quest for freedom. 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 who ensured he was not handed over to British custody. The bravery of Veer Savarkar continues to inspire generations!” he wrote on X.
In Paris, PM Modi addressed the India-France CEOs Forum, underscoring the crucial role it plays in strengthening economic ties and fostering innovation. He remarked, “The India-France CEO Forum plays a key role in strengthening economic ties and fostering innovation. It’s heartening to see business leaders from both nations collaborate and create new opportunities across key sectors, driving growth, investment, and ensuring a brighter future for the generations to come.”
PM Modi also emphasized the strategic partnership between India and France, noting the shared values of trust, democracy, innovation, and serving the people. “India and France aren’t just connected by democratic values. Trust, innovation, and serving the people are the pillars of our friendship. Our relationship goes beyond our two nations. Together, we’re providing solutions to global challenges,” he stated.
In addition, PM Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit with President Macron in Paris. The week-long summit, which brought together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts, concluded with a High-Level Segment focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities in AI, software development, and cybersecurity.
#WATCH | France: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the Indian diaspora, at a hotel in Marseille.
(Video – ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/v2e6c4F2Xt
— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2025
