Prime Minister Narendra Modi, upon arriving in Marseille, paid tribute to the city's historical "significance" in India's freedom struggle, recalling the "courageous escape" attempt of "Veer" Savarkar and thanking the French activists who supported him during his time of peril.

In a post on X, he wrote, "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 over to British custody. The bravery of Veer Savarkar continues to inspire generations!"