On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated India’s new Consulate General in Marseille, a significant step towards boosting bilateral relations. PM Modi dubbed it a “historic moment” and emphasised the longstanding ties between Marseille and India.
Marseille was an important part of India’s history, acting as a major base for Indian troops during World War I and having close ties to freedom warrior Veer Savarkar. The decision to create the consulate was made during Prime Minister Modi’s July 2023 visit to France. The new mission will offer consular services in four French regions: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Corsica, Occitanie, and Auvergne-Rhône–Alpes.
A magnificent welcome with traditional Indian dhol beats was held to honour the inauguration. PM Modi and President Macron met with Indian diaspora members, who were enthusiastic about the new consulate.
Earlier in the day, both leaders paid respects to Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery. “Their sacrifice binds France and India forever,” Macron stated. PM Modi echoed the sentiment, praising the courage of over 100,000 Indian soldiers who fought for France in 1914. The new consulate in France’s second-largest city will strengthen trade, industry, energy, and cultural connections between the two nations.
