New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Marseilles cemetery was a poignant moment during his diplomatic tour of France. The day was overcast, mirroring the solemnity of the occasion as Modi, dressed in a crisp white kurta, stepped onto the hallowed ground where thousands of Indian soldiers lay buried.

The cemetery in Marseilles holds the remains of Indian soldiers who fought in both World Wars, far from their homeland yet united in their sacrifice for freedom. Modi, with a wreath in hand, walked slowly between the rows of white crosses and the occasional Star of David, each marking the final resting place of a hero. His steps were measured, each one a tribute to the lives given for ideals transcending borders.

As he reached the central monument, Modi paused, his eyes scanning the engraved names - a silent roll call of the fallen. He laid the wreath, bowing his head in respect, the silence around him filled with the echoes of history. He then took a moment to read aloud from a small notebook he carried, sharing stories of bravery from the sepoy who died in 1914 to the soldier lost in 1945.

The visit was not just a gesture of remembrance but a powerful statement of India's commitment to never forget its warriors. Modi spoke briefly to the gathered dignitaries, his voice firm yet emotional, emphasizing the unbreakable bond between India and France, forged through shared sacrifices.

As he left, the PM left behind a message inscribed in the visitor’s book, "Their courage will never be forgotten, their sacrifice will always bind us." The visit to Marseilles was more than a diplomatic event; it was a homage to the enduring spirit of those who gave everything for peace.