Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised French activists who had resisted Britain’s attempt to take away Veer Savarkar from France after the freedom fighter and Hindutva icon escaped from a British ship.
“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!” Modi said on X on Tuesday.
Modi, accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron, also visited the Mazargues War Cemetery to pay tribute to Indian soldiers who fought alongside the British in the two World Wars.
During the British rule, Savarkar had attempted an escape on July 8, 1910, while being transported on the British ship Morea.
Slipping out of the ship’s porthole, he swam ashore but was captured by French authorities and returned to British custody, leading to a major diplomatic row.
Savarkar was sentenced to life imprisonment at the Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
On Wednesday, Modi and Macron laid a tricolour-themed wreath at the war cemetery. Modi said, “The bravery of Veer Savarkar continues to inspire generations!”