Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated India’s first new consulate in the French city of Marseille on Wednesday.
PM Modi is currently visiting France at the invitation of President Macron. Earlier on Tuesday, the prime minister co-hosted the AI Action Summit with President Macron in Paris. PM Modi, in a post on X, called the inauguration of India’s first consulate “a historic moment in Marseille!”
He further embarked on the new chapter of India and France relations, where the consulate acts as a bridge to strengthen their ties. He said, “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,” he added.
He recalled the connection between Marseille and India with V. D. Savarkar and as an important base for Indian troops during World War I.
He said, “Marseille’s links with India are well known. During the First World War, it was an important base for Indian troops. This city has a close link with Veer Savarkar as well.”
He ended his post by expressing gratitude to the French government and the Indian diaspora. He noted, “On this special opening, I thank the French government and congratulate the Indian diaspora.”
The two leaders collectively inaugurated the new consulate in Marseille with the press of a button amid applause from the gathered crowd. PM Modi and French President Macron also received a grand welcome from the Indian diaspora after the inauguration of the consulate. The two leaders also paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille.
