Marseille/New Delhi, Feb 12 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron of France today jointly inaugurated the Indian Consulate in the French port city of Marseille, marking a new chapter in bilateral ties.
The two leaders also visited the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille to pay tribute to the hundreds of Indian soldiers who died fighting in the two World Wars.
PM Modi in posts on X said:
“A historic moment in Marseille!
“President @EmmanuelMacron and I inaugurated 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.
“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 thanked the French government for opening of the Indian consulate in Marseille.
The two leaders were greeted with great enthusiasm by the Indian crowd, many of them waving small Indian flags and chanting “Modi, Modi”. The two leaders shook hands with many of the Indians gathered there.
“On this special opening, I thank the French Government and congratulate the Indian diaspora
“The Indian community is very enthusiastic about a new consulate in Marseille,” the PM wrote.
Later, they visited the war cemetery in Mazargues.
The PM said on X:
“At Mazargues War Cemetery, President @EmmanuelMacron and I paid homage to the soldiers who fought in the World Wars. This includes several Indian soldiers who valiantly fought and displayed utmost grit.
“All the brave soldiers answered the call of duty and fought with unwavering courage. They shed their blood in the hope of a better and more peaceful world. Many of them never returned, but their heroism will continue to be remembered for the times to come.
“Their bravery will never be forgotten.”
President Macron posted a video of the visit to the cemetery on X:
He wrote: “More than 100,000 Indians fought for France in 1914. Ten thousand never returned. They set foot on the soil of Marseille before fighting in the mud of the trenches, unaware that they were marching to their deaths.
“Their sacrifice binds France and India forever.”
The MEA spokesperson in posts on X said:
“A historic event in the historic city of Marseille.
“PM @narendramodi and President @EmmanuelMacron jointly inaugurated the Consulate General of India in Marseille today.
“The opening of the first Indian Consulate in continental France is a testament to the deepening India-France ties. This will give a boost to the people to people relations & the multi-dimensional relationship between the two countries.”
On the visit to the war cemetery he posted:
“PM @narendramodi & President @EmmanuelMacron visited the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille today.
“PM paid homage to the Indian Soldiers who fought in the World Wars & sacrificed their lives. The Mazargues War Cemetery is the second largest site where Indian soldiers were laid to rest in Europe.”
UNI RN