Prime Minister Narendra Modi
New Delhi: In a joint press meet with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled Indian soldiers who participated in World War I and Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar, with the Prime Minister noting their connection to the French port city of Marseille, which he visited last year.“Marseille is the city from where Indian soldiers set foot in Europe during World War I. The saga of their bravery is still remembered in many parts of Europe. It is the same city where freedom fighter Veer Savarkar jumped into the sea to escape the British. His action was a symbol of his unwavering determination for Indian independence,” Modi said.During his stay in England, Savarkar was accused of involvement in revolutionary activities and was brought to India to stand trial.He tried to escape when the ship docked in Marseille by jumping into the sea but was detained and brought to India.It is not usual for Prime Minister Savarkar to be remembered in the diplomatic programme.Modi said he praised Savarkar in Marseille when he visited France to co-chair the AI Action Summit with Macron.
