Indian diaspora in France hail new consulate in Marseille: ‘No more expensive, tiring trips to Paris’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the Indian consulate in Marseille, highlighted the strategic partnership between India and France.

Harbinder Singh Mehra, president of L’Association Frehindi, who mobilised several people from the Indian community to attend the inauguration of the consulate on February 12, hailed the initiative that has brought immense relief to the diaspora from the southern part of the country who would otherwise have to travel long hours to Paris.

To ensure maximum participation for the event, Mehra arranged a special bus from Lyon to Marseille for the Indian expats.

“Until now, many Indians had to travel to Paris—often staying overnight—just to renew passports, apply for a power of attorney, or complete other essential formalities. The Government of India has taken a commendable step by opening this consulate, easing the burden on Indian residents in the region,” Mehra, an entrepreneur and educationist from New Delhi, told The Indian Express.

“There were around 250 people from the Indian community from various parts of France such as Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Nice and other regions who attended the event. Several came on their own. We had around 50 in our bus from Lyon to Marseille,” Mehra said.

To ensure maximum participation for the event, Mehra arranged a special bus from Lyon to Marseille for the Indian expats. (Express Photo)

Archana Deiva, a classical dancer based in Lyon who was part of the 50-member group that travelled to Marseille, said it was “enthralling” to see Modi in person.

“With security personnel closing the entry for arrival of PM Modi and France President Emmanuel Macron, we almost missed the event,” Deiva said, adding that the opening of the consulate is very important as the queuing process and distance to travel from Lyon, Toulouse, Marseille, Nice is reduced for most Indians living around the southern part of France.

In the Lyon team, the second largest contingent was from Maharashtra with 35 people. The team was led by Priyanka Managrule, Mehra said.

Dipikaa, a Mumbai native studying in Lyon, who attended the inaugural event, said that for students like her, the initiative meant easier access to consular services, faster visa renewals and a stronger connection to the Indian community — without the long trip to Paris.

Manik Batra, another student from Lyon, said the consulate is “truly a gift” from PM Modi. “Previously, travelling to Paris for any official work was extremely expensive. A one-way ticket costs between €100-150 (Rs 10,000-15,000), and a round trip plus accommodation could amount to Rs 40,000-Rs 45,000—equivalent to an entire month’s living expenses for a student in France. Now, with the consulate in Marseille, students no longer have to bear this financial strain. This initiative will make a difference and help us focus on our studies without worrying about administrative hurdles,” Batra added.

Anshuli Kumari and other students from Marseille said they had to travel close to eight hours to Paris for consular services, often incurring unnecessary expenses. “Now, with the consulate in our city, we don’t have to make expensive and tiring trips just to get our essential documents sorted. This is a great relief for students and working professionals in Marseille and the surrounding regions,” Kumari said.

France is an important destination for Indian students. At the same time, all major French companies are increasing their R&D, IT and global services presence in India, Rama Kumble, former president of the Indian Association of Lyon, said on the opening of an additional Consulate in France.