Modi, Macron reaffirm strategic ties, press for early Ukraine peace
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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, exchanging views on recent efforts to bring a speedy end to the conflict in Ukraine and reiterating India’s consistent support for a peaceful resolution and the early restoration of regional peace and stability.
The leaders, who last spoke on August 21 to coordinate positions on the Ukraine war, also reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation across economic, defence, science, technology and space sectors. Mr Modi said the India–France Strategic Partnership will continue to play a key role in fostering global peace and stability.
“Had a very good conversation with President Macron. We reviewed and positively assessed the progress in bilateral cooperation in various areas. Exchanged views on international and regional issues, including efforts for bringing an early end to the conflict in Ukraine. The India–France Strategic Partnership will continue to play a key role in fostering global peace and stability,” Mr Modi posted on X after the call.
A Prime Minister’s Office statement said both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, the Indo-Pacific Roadmap and the Defence Industrial Roadmap. They agreed to remain closely engaged to promote global peace and stability and welcomed President Macron’s acceptance of an invitation to the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in February 2026.
Mr Macron, in his August 21 post, had shared his assessment of recent meetings between European, US and Ukrainian leaders in Washington and set out his perspectives on the situation in Gaza. He also expressed support for an early conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union.
“On trade issues, we agreed to strengthen our economic exchanges and our strategic partnership in all areas — this is the key to our sovereignty and independence. Following up on the AI Action Summit held in Paris last February, we are working towards the success of the AI Impact Summit to be held in New Delhi in 2026. For more effective multilateralism, we agreed to work closely together in preparation for the French presidency of the G7 and the Indian presidency of BRICS in 2026,” Mr Macron had posted.
Last month the two leaders pledged to further strengthen the strategic partnership between their countries. Both agreed to continue consultations and close coordination on international and regional matters.
With IANS inputs
