Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing French visit is being widely reported across the globe for its geopolitical and defence implications as well the initiatives to be taken during the AI summit, co-chaired by India and France. However, his French visit has one more interesting angle, one which will not go down well with the Islamo-leftist lobby leaving them only to cope and seeth in anger, frustration and dejection. Strikingly, on the last day of his trip to the European nation, PM Modi will visit the southern French port city of Marseille on Wednesday where he will be accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron. Through the visit, both the leaders aim to strengthen diplomatic ties and pay tribute to unadulterated History of pre-Independent India.
Historical Connection: Savarkar’s Escape from Marseille
Conspicously, PM Modi will visit Marseille as it has a deep rooted historical connection with visionary Indian freedom fighter, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, revered as Veer Savarkar for galvanising the Indian freedom struggle through his poetry and leadership.
The city is linked to the daring escape attempt of Veer Savarkar in 1910. When he was being transported to India for trial aboard the British ship Morea, Savarkar managed to get through a porthole and swam to shore in Marseille. However, he was soon caught by the French authorities and handed over to the British, which heightened diplomatic tensions between France and Britain.
France accused Britain of violating international law by taking Savarkar without following proper extradition procedures. The case was taken to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which ruled in 1911 that while an “irregularity” had occurred, Britain was not obligated to return Savarkar to France. French human rights groups and the press condemned the incident as a breach of sovereignty and legal norms. Had the International lobbying worked in an anti-India manourvering, Savarkar’s iconic escape could have given a new turn to the Indian freedom struggle.
Tribute to Indian Soldiers
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi, accompanied by President Macron, will also visit the Mazargues War Cemetery. The leaders will pay their respects to the Indian soldiers who fought and lost their lives in the First World War. The cemetery is a memorial to the sacrifice of Indian troops who played a crucial role in global conflicts.
Inauguration of the Indian Consulate in Marseille
On 12th February, PM Modi and President Macron will inaugurate India’s newest Consulate General in Marseille. This marks India’s second diplomatic mission in France after the embassy in Paris. The new consulate aims to enhance people-to-people ties, serve consular needs, and strengthen commercial relations in southern France, particularly in regions like Marseille, Toulouse, and Rhone-Alpes.
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According to diplomatic sources, the consulate will ease access to consular services for the Indian diaspora and businesses, reducing the need to travel to Paris for official work. Reports suggest that the consulate will also assist Indian companies seeking to expand their presence in France.
Marseille’s Role in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
As one of the principal entry points to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, the transnational rail and shipping route launched during the G20 Summit in New Delhi in 2023, the city of Marseille holds strategic significance. Diplomatic discussions between PM Modi and French President Macron are expected to address the progress of this ambitious connectivity project.
With Mumbai and Marseille positioned as two key terminals of IMEC, India is keen to strengthen trade and logistics through Marseille’s port, the largest in France and the third biggest in the Mediterranean. France has shown significant commitment to IMEC, having appointed a special envoy, Gérard Mestrallet, to oversee the project. The existing shipping line between Mundra in Gujarat and Marseille is seen as a crucial link for trade between India and Europe.
