PM Modi and French President Inaugurate Consulate General in Marseille, Strengthening Bilateral Ties

The decision to establish the Consulate General in Marseille was first announced during Prime Minister Modi’s official visit to France in July 2023.

In a historic event marking a new chapter in India-France relations, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the French Republic, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, jointly inaugurated the newly established Consulate General of India in Marseille today. This significant diplomatic milestone underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by dignitaries from both countries and was marked by the enthusiastic presence of the Indian diaspora in France, who gathered in large numbers to witness this momentous occasion. Prime Minister Modi expressed his profound appreciation for President Macron’s special gesture of attending the event, highlighting the strong personal rapport and mutual respect shared between the two leaders.

The decision to establish the Consulate General in Marseille was first announced during Prime Minister Modi’s official visit to France in July 2023. The Consulate will oversee consular services across four key French administrative regions in the South of France: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Corsica, Occitanie, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing diplomatic outreach and providing comprehensive support to the growing Indian community and businesses in these regions.

Marseille, the second most populous city in France, is a vital hub known for its vibrant trade, dynamic industrial sectors, renewable energy initiatives, and luxury tourism. The city and the broader southern region have long-standing economic, cultural, and people-to-people connections with India. The establishment of the Consulate General is expected to facilitate stronger economic partnerships, foster cultural exchanges, and promote tourism between the two nations.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of the new Consulate in bolstering the multifaceted India-France Strategic Partnership, which spans sectors such as defense, space, civil nuclear energy, climate change, and technology. President Macron echoed these sentiments, highlighting the shared values and common goals that bind the two democracies.

The inauguration of the Consulate General in Marseille represents not just an expansion of diplomatic infrastructure but also a reaffirmation of the commitment of both India and France to deepen their bilateral cooperation and foster closer ties across diverse domains.