PM Modi, Macron inaugurate Indian Consulate in Marseille, honour Indian soldiers at war memorial

New Delhi, Feb 12: In a historic moment for India-France relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the Indian Consulate in Marseille on Thursday. The consulate is expected to bolster cultural, economic, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.

PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the significance of the occasion, recalling Marseille’s deep-rooted connections with India. "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. Marseille’s links with India are well known—from its role in World War I as a base for Indian troops to its connection with Veer Savarkar," he wrote.

Earlier in the day, Modi and Macron paid tribute to Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille. The two leaders laid wreaths to honor those who lost their lives during World Wars I and II. The cemetery stands as a testament to the sacrifices of Indian troops and the long-standing friendship between India and France.

The visit also included a milestone trip to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in Cadarache, marking the first-ever visit by any Head of State or Government to the site. Modi and Macron reviewed the progress of the world's largest fusion energy project, where India has been a key contributor for over two decades. With nearly 200 Indian scientists and companies involved, the project represents a significant step toward sustainable energy collaboration.