PM Modi Concludes France Visit with Cemetery Tribute, Consulate Inauguration in Marseille
On the concluding day of his three-day visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Mazargues Cemetery in Marseille, where he paid tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I and II. Accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron, the Prime Minister honoured the sacrifices of thousands of Indian troops who laid down their lives on European soil.
Strengthening Maritime Ties in Marseille!
President @EmmanuelMacron and I visited the control room of CMA-CGM, a global leader in shipping and logistics. As India expands its maritime and trade networks, collaborations with industry leaders will play a crucial role in boosting… pic.twitter.com/Mksq8LU7OM
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2025
Highlighting the historical significance of Marseille, PM Modi referenced Veer Savarkar’s attempted escape from British custody in the city. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “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.”
Strengthening Diplomatic Presence: Indian Consulate in Marseille
As part of his visit, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Indian consulate in Marseille, a move aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic ties between India and France. He emphasized the consulate’s role in enhancing people-to-people connections and facilitating stronger engagement between Indian and French citizens.
“President Macron and I reached Marseille a short while ago. This visit will witness important programmes aimed at further connecting India and France. The Indian consulate which is being inaugurated will deepen people-to-people linkages. I will also pay homage to the Indian soldiers martyred in the First and Second World Wars,” he posted earlier in the day.
Warm Reception from the Indian Diaspora
During his stay in Marseille, PM Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian community. Members of the Indian diaspora, many of whom have been living in France for several years, gathered to express their support and enthusiasm for his visit.
“We have been staying here for the past four years… I met PM Modi now… he was very happy to meet us, and we also felt really happy,” Priyanka Sharma, a member of the diaspora, told news agency ANI.
PM Modi and Macron Visit ITER Project
Continuing their discussions on bilateral cooperation, PM Modi and President Macron visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project in Cadarache, Southern France. India has committed ₹17,500 crore, which accounts for 10% of the total project cost. Notably, India has contributed a crucial component—the world’s largest refrigerator, which houses the innovative reactor.
India-France Relations “Touch New Heights”
Highlighting the strategic importance of the India-France partnership, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the deep personal trust between the two leaders. He noted that PM Modi and President Macron travelled together in the French presidential aircraft to Marseille, calling it an exceptional gesture and a symbol of strong bilateral ties.
“You could say that India-France relations touched new heights, literally. Discussions between the two leaders continued onboard the aircraft and upon landing in Marseille, where they were joined by their larger delegations,” Misri stated.
Key Areas of Discussion: Defence, AI, and Innovation
The India-France partnership spans multiple sectors, and discussions during PM Modi’s visit covered a wide range of topics, including:
- Defence collaboration
- Space exploration
- Civil nuclear cooperation
- Healthcare partnerships
- People-to-people ties
The two nations also adopted a declaration on artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing responsible AI development aligned with global ethical standards. Furthermore, PM Modi and President Macron launched the logo for the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, symbolizing a shared commitment to advancing research and technology.
PM Modi Heads to the US
Following his France visit, PM Modi departed for the United States on Wednesday evening for a two-day visit, where he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump. This visit holds significance as it marks Trump’s second term in office, having been inaugurated on January 20.
“The Prime Minister’s visit to the United States will give further direction and momentum to this important partnership. We expect a joint statement to be adopted at the end of the visit,” the Ministry of External Affairs had stated earlier.
PM Modi’s visit to France has reinforced the strong diplomatic and strategic partnership between the two nations. His participation in cultural and historical commemorations, along with the inauguration of the Indian consulate, signals a continued commitment to deepening bilateral ties. With AI, defence, and innovation at the forefront of discussions, the India-France relationship is poised for greater collaboration in the years ahead.
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