• Source:JND
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Marseille, southern France, on Tuesday night (February 11, 2025), marking a significant diplomatic visit aimed at strengthening India-France relations. Upon arrival, he paid homage to freedom fighter Veer Savarkar, who had attempted a daring escape from British captivity at the port city.

During his visit, PM Modi, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, inaugurated the new Consulate General of India in Marseille, reinforcing India’s diplomatic presence in France. The two leaders also visited the Mazargues War Cemetery to honour the Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting in the World Wars, underscoring the deep historical ties between the two nations.

Here Are Live Updates:

 - PM Modi thanked France for a productive visit, highlighting engagements in AI, commerce, energy, and cultural ties. He expressed gratitude to President Macron and the French people.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Washington, and as a special gesture, French President Emmanuel Macron personally saw him off at the airport.

- Both countries welcomed the inclusion of 10 Indian startups at the French Startup Incubator Station F. They also welcomed the expanded possibilities for using India's real-time payment system - Unified Payments Interface (UPI) - in France, according to a joint statement.

 - India and France on Wednesday agreed to collaborate on developing modern nuclear reactors, highlighting nuclear energy's role in ensuring energy security and advancing a low-carbon economy.

- PM Modi and President Macron visited CMA-CGM's control room in Marseille, discussing its operations and potential collaboration under IMEC.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron reviewed the progress of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) during their visit to Marseille.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in Paris. During the visit, they reaffirmed their commitment to reformed and effective multilateralism to promote a fair and peaceful global order. They emphasised the need to tackle pressing global challenges and prepare for advancements in technology and the economy.

- “PM Modi and President Macron strongly condemned terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism. They emphasised the need to disrupt terror financing networks and eliminate safe havens. Both leaders agreed that no country should shelter those who support or commit terrorist acts and called for decisive action, including designating individuals linked to UN-sanctioned groups,” read a joint statement.

- PM Modi and President Macron travelled together to Marseille in the French presidential aircraft, a rare gesture symbolising their deep personal trust and the strong India-France partnership, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

- PM Modi and President Macron lauded progress in Scorpene submarine construction in India, including DRDO’s AIP system integration. They welcomed INS Vagsheer’s commissioning and ongoing defence collaborations. "Modi invited France to consider the Pinaka MBLR, while Macron acknowledged India’s observer status in the Eurodrone MALE program, strengthening Indo-French defence ties," PMO said in a statement.  

- “PM Modi invited French companies to explore new opportunities in the India growth story,” says foreign secretary Vikram Misri. He said that PM Modi outlined India's next-generation economic reforms, previewed in the recent budget, and invited French companies to explore opportunities in defence, civil nuclear projects, insurance, and advanced manufacturing.

- PM Modi called the opening of the Indian Consulate in Marseille a "historic moment" and a "new chapter" in India-France ties. He emphasised that the consulate will strengthen cultural, economic, and people-to-people connections between the two nations.

- PM Modi and President Macron reaffirmed their strong commitment to the India-France Strategic Partnership, reviewing cooperation in defence, civil nuclear energy, and space while exploring collaboration in technology and innovation.  "PM Modi, French President Macron discuss ways to strengthen collaboration in fields of technology, and innovation," PMO said in a statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron extend greetings to the Indian diaspora gathered for the inauguration of the Indian Consulate in Marseille.

- PM Narendra Modi pays tributes to the fallen Indian soldiers at Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseilles, France.

 - Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron were welcomed with the vibrant beats of dhols.

- Google CEO Sundar Pichai met PM Narendra Modi at the AI Action Summit in Paris, discussing AI's potential for India and collaboration on digital transformation.