PM Modi Reaches Marseille, Pays Tribute to V D Savarkar

Paris: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now arrived in Marseille of southern France where he paid tribute to one of the Indian freedom fighters, V D Savarkar, who made an attempt at a “courageous escape” from the port city.

Before celebrating the Indian independence, the Indian leader made sure to visit the port myself where Savarkar made a commendable attempt to escape. He made a post on X where he stated, "Landed in Marseille. This city has certain importance in India's Freedom Struggle." 

Modi stated, “Instead, I would like to extend my gratitude to the general population of Marseille and the French activists of the period who insisted that he not be transferred under British authority. The courage showcased by Veer Savarkar is inspirational even in current times!' The Indian diaspora living in France also extends his gratitude to Modi for the Warm welcome he was greeted with upon arriving in the city.

Modi wrote on X at 4:18 am IST, “President Macron and I reached Marseille a short while ago. This visit will witness important programmes aimed at further connecting India and France. I will also pay homage to the Indian soldiers martyred in the First and Second World Wars.” 

Savarkar’s assassination attempt on a British officer resulted in a life sentence and he attempted to escape from the Cellular Jail on the Andaman Islands, which did not go as per plan. Attempting to flee captivity while being transported to a trial, on July 8, 1910, Savarkar was bound in chains aboard the ship Morea. 

Reportedly, he escaped through the cabin window and managed to reach the land but was caught by the French forces almost instantaneously. This sequence of events resulted in a historical diplomatic conflict, as Savarkar was sent to life imprisonment in one of the Andaman Islands for his acts.

Alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Modi has arrived in Marseille to inaugurate a new Consulate General of India. On Wednesday, leaders are set to partake in a range of activities like laying a wreath at the Mazargues War Cemetery which commemorates the valiant Indians who lost their lives in the two World Wars.

Also on their plans is a visit of the ITER, an international nuclear fusion research and development project. On Tuesday, they already participated in the AI Action Summit and the 14th India – France CEOs Forum.