PM Narendra Modi reaches Marseille ahead of Indian consulate inauguration, remembers freedom fighter V D Savarkar's 'courageous escape'

After reaching the French city, he wrote on X: "President Macron and I reached Marseille a short while ago. This visit will witness important programmes aimed at further connecting India and France."

He said the new consulate will increase people-to-people linkages between the two countries.

During his visit, Modi will also pay homage to the Indian soldiers martyred in First and Second World Wars.

V D Savarkar

After reaching the French city, Modi remembered freedom fighter Veer Savarkar who had attempted a courageous escape from British custody in Marseille.

"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," he said.

"The bravery of Veer Savarkar continues to inspire generations!" he said.

Modi visited Paris to attend the AI Action Summit.

CEO Forum

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday pitched India's potential as a favoured global investment destination based on its stable polity and predictable policy ecosystem as he addressed the 14th India-France CEOs Forum in Paris.

Addressing the forum jointly with French President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi the expanding India-France business and economic collaboration and the impetus it has provided to the strategic partnership between the two countries.