Modi Honors Savarkar on France Visit, But Does Not Highlight Sikh Sacrifice

On 10 Feb, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris to a reception from the Indian diaspora and a 15-member Sikh delegation led by Iqbal Singh Bhatti. Dhols (drums) played and chants of ‘Modi, Modi!’ rang out as the delegation praised Modi’s inclusive approach, including his gestures honoring Sikh Gurus. During this three-day French visit, Modi co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit with President Emmanuel Macron, held bilateral talks, and engaged with business leaders. He traveled to Marseille, where he visited the Mazargues War Cemetery alongside Macron to pay tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I. However, there was no mention of the soldiers mostly being of Panjabi Sikh descent. Marseille holds additional historical significance for Indian nationalists, as it was here in July 1910 that Veer Savarkar escaped British custody by jumping out of a ship’s porthole—an episode that sparked diplomatic disputes over extradition and asylum. France has a longstanding connection to Sikh valor, as Sikh regiments were part of the Indian Corps that fought in the country during World War I. After the bloody battle of Neuve-Chapelle in France in March 1915, different regiments of Sikhs had lost 80% of their men. Ypres, La Bassée, Festubert, Loos, and Givenchy are some of the other French battlefields where Sikh soldiers showed their courage. Their heroics against German forces have been recognized in numerous centenary events. A French documentary titled 100 Years showcased the sacrifice of iconic figures like Subedar Manta Singh, who saved a British comrade under enemy fire but lost his life. Leaders on both sides hope these interactions will strengthen cultural ties, enhance trade, and honor India’s shared history with France.