NEW DELHI: At a joint press meet with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Indian soldiers who participated in the first World War and Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar, as the PM recalled their association with France’s port city Marseille which he had visited last year.
“Marseille is the city from where Indian soldiers set foot in Europe during World War-I. Their saga of 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 resolve for India’s independence,” Modi said.
While staying in England, Savarkar was accused of involvement in revolutionary activities and was brought to India to face trial.
He tried to escape when the ship was docked in Marseille by jumping into the sea but was held and brought to India.
It is not often that the prime minister remembers Savarkar at a diplomatic programme.
Modi said he had paid homage to Savarkar, in Marseille when he had visited France to co-chair the AI Action Summit with Macron.
