Marseille [France], February 12 (HBTV): Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora at a hotel in Marseille following his arrival in the French city on Tuesday (local time).

After his arrival, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of the Indian Consulate in Marseille, which is expected to play a key role in strengthening ‘people-to-people’ ties between India and France.

Notably, PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will inaugurate the Indian Consulate in Marseille—India’s second diplomatic mission in France after the Embassy in Paris.

Marseille serves as a key gateway for trade between India and France due to its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast. It is also one of the entry points for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

During his visit, PM Modi also stated that he would pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who were martyred during the First and Second World Wars.

He wrote, ‘President Macron and I recently arrived in Marseille. This visit will be marked by important programmes aimed at strengthening ties between India and France. The Indian Consulate that is being inaugurated will help deepen people-to-people ties. I will also pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who fell as martyrs in the First and Second World Wars.’

PM Modi, along with President Macron, will also visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a significant international collaboration in nuclear fusion research.

Earlier, upon his arrival, PM Modi paid tribute to the city's historical significance in India's freedom struggle, recalling the ‘courageous escape’ attempt of Veer Savarkar and expressing gratitude to the French activists who supported him during his time of peril.

In a post on X, he wrote, ‘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. The bravery of Veer Savarkar continues to inspire generations!’

(ANI)