What's on Modi's agenda for day 3 in France
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will wrap up his three-day official visit to France on Wednesday.
On the last day, Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will inaugurate India's second consulate in Marseille, expanding the country's diplomatic footprint.
PM Modi will also visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project site in Cadarache with President Macron. India is a key partner in this international nuclear fusion collaboration.
Historical visit
PM Modi pays tribute at Mazargues War Cemetery
They will also pay a visit to the Mazargues War Cemetery, where they will pay their respects to Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.
Ahead of the visit, Modi noted the historical significance of Marseille as a city where freedom fighter VD Savarkar attempted an escape during British colonial rule.
Modi thanked the people of Marseille for their role in the Indian freedom struggle when they "demanded that Savarkar not be handed over to British custody."
Twitter Post
'Bravery of Veer Savarkar continues to inspire generations'
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 11, 2025
Strategic partnership
PM Modi addresses India-France CEOs forum
On Tuesday, PM Modi addressed the India-France CEOs Forum with President Macron. He highlighted the strategic partnership between India and France, stressing on shared democratic values and innovation.
"India and France aren't just connected by democratic values. Deep trust, innovation, and serving the people are the pillars of our friendship," he said during his address at the forum.
Diplomatic engagements
PM Modi tours ITER project site, meets global leaders
He also co-chaired the AI Action Summit in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit was attended by global leaders and tech CEOs, focusing on promoting responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
After his France visit, PM Modi will head to Washington DC on Thursday on President Donald Trump's invitation.
This will be his first US visit since Trump's second term inauguration in January 2025.