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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on the final day of his three-day visit to France, where he is focusing on deepening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. Today, he is in Marseille, a historically and strategically significant French city, where he will inaugurate India’s second consulate in the country. After wrapping up his engagements in France, PM Modi will leave for the United States on February 13.
Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Final Day in France
Strengthening India-France Relations
On his last day in France, PM Modi's agenda is packed with key events aimed at strengthening Indo-French relations. The major programs include:
- Inauguration of India’s new consulate in Marseille, further expanding India’s diplomatic presence in France.
- A tribute ceremony at Mazargues War Cemetery to honor soldiers who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars.
- A visit to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a global nuclear fusion initiative in which India is a significant partner.
This visit underscores India's commitment to advancing scientific collaboration, honoring historical ties, and enhancing its diplomatic footprint in France.
Why is Marseille Important?
Marseille holds immense geopolitical and economic significance for both India and France:
- It is a major gateway for trade between the two countries due to its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast.
- It serves as one of the entry points of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a transformative connectivity project announced during the G20 Summit 2023 in New Delhi.
- IMEC aims to link India’s west coast with Europe via West Asia, improving trade and economic partnerships.
- Discussions between PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to focus on this crucial corridor and its potential impact on global trade.
PM Modi Honors Veer Savarkar’s Struggle in Marseille
During his visit, PM Modi paid homage to the courageous freedom fighter Veer Savarkar, acknowledging Marseille’s historical connection to India's struggle for independence.
- In July 1910, while being transported to India for trial by the British, Savarkar attempted a daring escape from the ship Morea, jumping into the sea and swimming to the shores of Marseille.
- However, he was captured by French authorities and handed back to the British.
- He was later sentenced to life imprisonment in the Cellular Jail of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
PM Modi thanked the people of Marseille and French activists who played a role in supporting India’s freedom movement. This acknowledgment strengthens the cultural and historical ties between the two nations
