 "PM Modi visits Marseille, the city where Savarkar's arrest triggered debate on asylum, extradition laws")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Marseille in southern France and paid tribute to the legacy of freedom fighter VD Savarkar, who tried a “courageous escape” from the port city.
“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,” Modi said in a post on X after arriving there Tuesday night (local time).
He added, “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!”
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
In a late-night post (IST 4.18 am) Modi said on X, “President Macron and I reached Marseille a short while ago. This visit will witness important programmes aimed at further connecting India and France. The Indian consulate which is being inaugurated will deepen people-to-people linkages. I will also pay homage to the Indian soldiers martyred in First and Second World Wars.”
President Macron and I reached Marseille a short while ago. This visit will witness important programmes aimed at further connecting India and France. The Indian consulate which is being inaugurated will deepen people-to-people linkages. I will also pay homage to the Indian… pic.twitter.com/RtgGPkJjNg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 11, 2025
Impact Shorts
More ShortsVinayak Damodar Savarkar, a freedom fighter during British colonial authority, tried an escape from captivity on July 8, 1910, while being carried to India on board the British ship Morea for trial.
On his way to India on the Morea, he sneaked through a window, swam ashore, and momentarily eluded arrest before being returned to the British.
His extradition prompted a diplomatic crisis, with France claiming that the proceedings breached international law.
The dispute sparked worldwide legal discussions over refuge and extradition, focussing emphasis on colonial legal systems and their impact on political prisoners.
Savarkar was eventually condemned to life in Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
PM Modi is in Marseille to launch India’s new Consulate General with French President Emmanuel Macron. The leaders have a number of activities scheduled on Wednesday, including a visit to the Mazargues War Cemetery to commemorate the sacrifices of Indian troops who perished fighting in World Wars.
Their program also includes a tour to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, an international nuclear fusion partnership.
Earlier on Tuesday, they spoke at the AI Action Summit and the 14th India-France CEO Forum.
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