Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron received a grand welcome in Marseilles on Wednesday with the beats of dhols and chants of “Modi, Modi” as they arrived for the inauguration of India’s new consulate in the French city.
A large gathering of the Indian diaspora cheered as the two leaders made their way to the event. PM Modi warmly greeted the Indian community members, engaging with them in an enthusiastic exchange before proceeding with the formal inauguration.
Tribute to Indian Soldiers at Mazargues Cemetery
Ahead of the consulate's opening, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron visited the historic Mazargues Cemetery, where they paid tribute to Indian soldiers who fought and made sacrifices in World War I. The cemetery, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), commemorates thousands of Indian soldiers who fought alongside French forces.
During a solemn ceremony, PM Modi laid a wreath adorned with tricolor-themed flowers in honor of the fallen heroes. The visit underscored India’s longstanding contributions to global peace and its historic ties with France.
Strengthening Indo-French Relations
PM Modi’s visit to France has been marked by strong diplomatic gestures and a deepening of bilateral ties. On Tuesday, he co-chaired the AI Action Summit with President Macron and addressed top business leaders. The two leaders have shared a warm camaraderie throughout the visit, traveling together in a joint motorcade and even boarding the same aircraft to Marseilles.
During the first day of his visit, President Macron hosted PM Modi for a private dinner, further solidifying the strong personal rapport between the two leaders. They also co-hosted the India-France CEOs Forum, reinforcing their commitment to boosting economic partnerships.
Upcoming Engagements
Following the inauguration of the Indian consulate, PM Modi and President Macron are scheduled to visit the ITER nuclear fusion project and the Marseille port, highlighting Indo-French cooperation in science, technology, and infrastructure.
Earlier, PM Modi also met Google CEO Sundar Pichai on the sidelines of the AI Summit in Paris, where they discussed the transformative potential of AI for India’s growth.
