PM Modi, President Macron jointly inaugurate India's new consulate in France's Marseille

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday jointly inaugurated the new Consulate General of India at Marseille in southern France.

They visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in Cadarache – the largest technological research and development centre for energy in Europe. The two leaders also visited Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille and paid tribute to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World Wars I and II.

After co-chairing the AI Action Summit in Paris on Tuesday, Modi and Macron were together in Marseille for almost half of Wednesday. The French president also made a special gesture by personally seeing off the prime minister before he embarked on the Air India One to fly from Marseille to Washington DC.

“The Indian community is very excited about the new consulate in Marseille,” Modi posted in French on X after he and Macron inaugurated the mission. He also posted some pictures of him and Macron with the people of Indian Diaspora in southern France. “Our friendship in Marseille,” Macron also posted on X along with a video of him and Modi meeting people.

The decision to open a Consulate General of India in Marseille was announced during the prime minister’s visit to Paris in July 2023. The new consulate will have consular jurisdiction over four administrative regions in the South of France – Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur, Corsica, Occitanie and Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes.

“This region of France is synonymous with trade, industry, energy and luxury tourism and has significant economic, cultural and people-to-people connections with India. The new Consulate General in the second most populous city in France would further strengthen the multi-faceted India-France Strategic Partnership,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated.

The visit by Modi and Macron to ITER was the first by any head of state or head of government to one of the most ambitious fusion energy projects in the world. India is among the seven ITER members contributing to the project over the last two decades. Around 200 Indian scientists and associates, as well as notable industry players such as L&T, Inox India, TCS, TCE, and HCL Technologies, among others, are engaged in the ITER project.

“Went to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in Cadarache with President @EmmanuelMacron. Complimented the team working on this project, which represents a commendable step toward sustainable and limitless clean energy for the future,” the prime minister wrote on X.

The leaders appreciated the progress of ITER, including the assembly of the world’s largest Tokamak, where ultimately 500 MW of fusion power will be produced by creating, containing and controlling burning plasma. The leaders also appreciated the dedication of the ITER engineers and scientists working on the project.

“More than 100,000 Indians fought for France in 1914. Ten thousand never returned. They set foot on the soil of Marseille before fighting in the mud of the trenches, unaware that they were marching to their deaths. Their sacrifice binds France and India forever.,” Macron posted on X after he and Modi visited Mazargues War Cemetery. “At Mazargues War Cemetery, we paid homage to the brave souls who embodied valour and sacrifice. Their courage in distant lands and unwavering duty to a greater cause will forever be remembered,” wrote Modi.