Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of France Emmanuel Macron today jointly inaugurated the newly opened Consulate General of India in Marseille. The inauguration of the Consulate General by Prime Minister Modi and President Macron is a landmark in bilateral relations between India and France. The External Affairs Ministry said in a statement that the presence of President Macron at the inauguration was a special gesture, and the Prime Minister deeply appreciated it.
Both leaders also visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor [ITER] in Cadarache earlier today. The leaders were welcomed by the Director General, ITER. This was the first visit by any head of state or head of government to ITER, which is one of the most ambitious fusion energy projects in the world today.
During the visit, the leaders appreciated the progress of ITER, including the assembly of the world’s largest Tokamak, where ultimately 500 MW of fusion power will be produced by creating, containing, and controlling burning plasma. The leaders also appreciated the dedication of the ITER engineers and scientists working on the project.
Both leaders also visited the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille and paid tribute to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World Wars I and II. They laid wreaths to honour the sacrifices of the fallen. The Mazargues War Cemetery preserves the history of valour and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who fought for peace in Europe.
