Indian PM Narendra Modi and the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday jointly inaugurated the newly opened Consulate General of India in Marseille.

"The inauguration of the Consulate General by Prime Minister and President Macron is a landmark in bilateral relations between India and France," read ag government statement.

The presence of President Macron at the inauguration was a special gesture and Prime Minister deeply appreciated it. At the Consulate, both the leaders were warmly welcomed by members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered to witness the historic occasion.

The decision to open a Consulate General in Marseille was announced during Prime Minister’s visit to France in July 2023.

After the inauguration, Narendra Modi described the moment as 'historic'.

"A historic moment in Marseille! President @EmmanuelMacron and I inaugurated the Indian Consulate in this vibrant city, marking a new chapter in India-France ties. This consulate will serve as an important bridge, strengthening our cultural, economic and people-to-people connections," he said.

"Marseille’s links with India are well known. During the First World War, it was an important base for Indian troops. This city has a close link with Veer Savarkar as well," he said.

The Consulate General will have consular jurisdiction over four French administrative regions in the South of France, namely - Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur, Corsica, Occitanie and Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes.

"This region of France is synonymous with trade, industry, energy and luxury tourism and has significant economic, cultural and people to people connections with India," the statement said.

The new Consulate General in the second most populous city in France would further strengthen the multi-faceted India-France Strategic Partnership.