On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the beautiful French city of Marseille. He remembered the city’s important role in India’s fight for independence by talking about Veer Savarkar’s brave attempt to escape from British control. Modi thanked the French activists who helped Savarkar during his tough times.
Modi is in Marseille to open a new Indian consulate along with French President Emmanuel Macron. They plan to visit the Mazargues War Cemetery together to honor Indian soldiers who fought and died in the World Wars.
In a message on social media, Modi said, “I’ve landed in Marseille, a city that is special for India’s freedom journey. Here, the brave Veer Savarkar tried to escape. I thank the people of Marseille who fought to keep him safe from British arrest.” He added, “President Macron and I will be working on projects that will bring India and France closer together. The new consulate will help connect our people.”
Marseille is linked to India’s independence because it was where Veer Savarkar, a key freedom fighter, tried to flee in 1910. After he was arrested in London, Savarkar jumped into the sea while being taken to India and swam to the French coast. However, British police arrested him in Marseille. The French government protested this arrest, which helped make Savarkar and other Indian freedom fighters more famous around the world.
During their visit, Modi and Macron will also tour the ITER project, which focuses on nuclear fusion research. On Wednesday, PM Modi will pay his respects to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the World Wars.
Earlier in Paris, PM Modi spoke to business leaders at the India-France CEO Forum. He emphasized how important this forum is for helping businesses from both countries work together and create new opportunities. He described it not just as a business meeting but as a way for the cleverest minds of India and France to connect and share ideas.
PM Modi also co-hosted the AI Action Summit in Paris, bringing together leaders and experts from all over the world to discuss the future of artificial intelligence.
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