Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed by the Indian diaspora upon his arrival in Marseille, France, on Tuesday. The community gathered at a hotel to greet him, expressing their excitement over his visit and its significance for India-France relations.
Utkarsh, a member of the diaspora, shared his joy after meeting PM Modi, stating, “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 key role in strengthening the India-France relationship.”
Another attendee, Priyanka Sharma, who has been living in France for four years, echoed similar sentiments. “I met PM Modi, and he was very happy to see us. We also felt really happy,” she said.
During his visit, PM Modi emphasized the importance of the newly established Indian Consulate in Marseille, which will serve as India’s second diplomatic mission in France after the Embassy in Paris. He highlighted its role in enhancing ‘people-to-people’ ties between the two nations.
In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “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 that is being inaugurated will help deepen people-to-people ties. I will also pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who fell as martyrs in the First and Second World Wars.”
As part of his visit, PM Modi honored the sacrifices of Indian soldiers who fought in the World Wars. Additionally, he and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a landmark international initiative in nuclear fusion research.
Earlier, upon his arrival, PM Modi acknowledged Marseille’s historical connection to India’s independence movement, recalling Veer Savarkar’s daring escape attempt from British custody in 1910. Expressing gratitude to the French activists who supported Savarkar, he wrote on X, “Landed in Marseille. 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!”
Following his engagements in Marseille, PM Modi addressed the India-France CEO Forum in Paris. He emphasized the forum’s role in fostering economic ties and innovation between the two nations.
“The India-France CEO Forum plays a key role in strengthening economic ties and fostering innovation. It is gladdening to see business leaders from both nations collaborate and create new opportunities across key sectors. This drives growth, investment, and ensures a better future for the coming generations,” he wrote on X.
At the forum, he described the event as more than just a business gathering, stating, “This is more than just a business event—it’s a convergence of the brightest minds from India and France. You are embracing the mantra of innovation, collaboration, and elevation, driving progress with purpose. Beyond forging boardroom connections, you are actively reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and France.”
He further underscored the deep-rooted trust and shared values between the two countries, citing democracy, innovation, and public service as the pillars of their relationship. “India and France aren’t just connected by democratic values. Deep trust, innovation, and serving the people are the pillars of our friendship. Our relationship isn’t limited to just our two nations. Together, we’re providing solutions to global problems,” he remarked.
PM Modi also co-chaired the AI Action Summit alongside President Macron, which concluded with a High-Level Segment attended by global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts. The summit reinforced India and France’s commitment to technological advancement and strategic cooperation on artificial intelligence.
Also Read: PM Modi Honors Marseille’s Contribution To India’s Independence
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