What Is Veer Savarkar's Connection With French City Marseille Where PM Modi-President Macron Visited

Marseille: Prime Minister Narendra Modi , who is in France and will soon visit the US to meet President Donald Trump , visited Marseille city along with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday evening and recalled the courageous escape of Indian freedom fighter Veer Savarkar.

The French city of Marseille holds significant importance as it shares an interesting chapter with India’s freedom struggle. This is the same city where Veer Savarkar attempted his courageous escape. Savarkar was helped by the people there, including activists who demanded that he should not be handed over to British custody.

How Veer Savarkar escaped to Marseille

Indian freedom fighter Veer Savarkar attempted a miraculous escape in Marseille from British authorities in 1910.

According to the government website Amrit Mahotsav, in 1910, “Savarkar was arrested in London in connection with the Nasik conspiracy case. When he was being taken to India by ship for trial, Savarkar jumped into the sea and swam to the French coast, braving the firing from the ship.”

It is after that episode the city is remembered for Savarkar's miraculous escape.

Meanwhile, remembering Savarkar's risky but bold move, PM Modi took to X, formerly Twitter and said, “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!”

PM Modi also paid tributes to the Indian soldiers who were martyred during the First and Second World Wars in Marseille.

PM Modi and President Macron Inaugurate Indian Consulate in Marseille

PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron also inaugurated the Indian Consulate in Marseille—India's second diplomatic mission in France after the Embassy in Paris.

Marseille is 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).

PM Modi-President Macron inaugurate Indian Consulate in Marseille 

PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the Indian Consulate in Marseille--India's second diplomatic mission in France after the Embassy in Paris.

Marseille is 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).

With inputs from ANI