PM Modi commemorates Savarkar's "courageous escape" in Marseille, France, when launching the Indian consulate.

Since Veer Savarkar made a risky escape to Marseille in an effort to escape British captivity, the city was crucial to India's independence movement.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Marseille, France, on Tuesday, he recalled Veer Savarkar's valiant escape attempt and thanked the French activists who helped him during that crucial period, acknowledging the city's historical significance in India's liberation movement.

Alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Marseille to officially open a new Indian Consulate General. In honor of the sacrifice made by Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the World Wars, the leaders are scheduled to visit the Mazargues War Cemetery on Wednesday.

"Landed in Marseille," Modi wrote in a post on X. This city is very important in India's struggle for independence. The legendary Veer Savarkar made a valiant attempt to flee here. I also want to express my gratitude to the residents of Marseille and the French activists who fought against his transfer to British detention at the time. Generations after generation are still motivated by Veer Savarkar's courage!

"President Macron and I arrived in Marseille just now," Modi wrote in another post. Important programs aiming at strengthening ties between France and India will take place during this visit. The upcoming opening of the Indian consulate will strengthen ties amongst individuals. Additionally, I shall honor the Indian troops who lost their lives during World Wars I and II.

What connection does Marseille have to the fight for Indian independence?
Marseille has a special position in India's liberation movement since it was there that renowned freedom fighter Veer Savarkar made a risky effort to break out of British captivity.

"Veer Savarkar was arrested in London in 1910 in connection with the Nasik Conspiracy Case," according to the official government website amritmahotsav.nic.in. Savarkar braved the ship's fire by jumping into the sea and swimming to the French coast while he was being transported by ship to India for trial, off the coast of Marseilles.

The website goes on to say, "The British Police arrested him at Marseilles. The Hague International Court received a protest from the French government regarding this detention on French territory. Veer Savarkar and other Indian liberation fighters gained international recognition as a result.

Macron with PM Modi in Marseille
Prior to their planned meetings in Marseille, Modi and Macron landed in the city on Tuesday.

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a significant global endeavor centered on nuclear fusion research, will be toured while they are there. In keeping with historical links, PM Modi will also honor Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the World Wars on Wednesday by visiting the Mazargues War Cemetery.

PM Modi speaks at the Paris CEOs Forum
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the value of the India-France CEO Forum in a post on X, emphasizing how it fosters innovation and strengthens economic cooperation.

"The CEO Forum between France and India is essential for promoting innovation and fortifying commercial connections. It is encouraging to see corporate executives from both countries work together to develop new prospects in important industries. This promotes investment and progress and guarantees a brighter future for future generations," he stated.

Speaking at the event, PM Modi called it a platform for intellectual convergence between the two countries and said it was more than simply a business meeting. This gathering of the most brilliant minds from France and India is more than just a commercial gathering. You are advancing growth with a purpose by adopting the motto of creativity, teamwork, and elevation. "You are actively strengthening the strategic partnership between France and India, going beyond just creating connections in the boardroom," PM Modi stated.

Along with emphasizing democracy, creativity, and public service as important facets of their alliance, he also emphasized the solid basis of trust and shared values that unite France and India. "Democratic values are not the only thing that bind France and India together.Our friendship is built on a foundation of deep trust, creativity, and service to the public. There is more to our relationship than merely our two countries. We're working together to solve global issues," he continued.

In addition, PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron co-chaired the AI Action Summit in Paris. At the end of the week-long conference, world leaders, legislators, and business leaders participated in a High-Level Segment.