New Delhi/Paris, Aug 21 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron during which the two leaders discussed the ongoing efforts for peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict, as well as bilateral relations.
PM Modi said in a post on X that he had a “very good conversation with my friend President Macron”.
“Exchanged views on efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and in West Asia. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the India-France strategic partnership.”
According to a readout of the phone call, “The leaders exchanged views on the ongoing efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and the West Asia region.”
President Macron shared his assessment on the August 18 meeting hosted by US President Donald Trump with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House.
He also shared his perspectives on the situation in Gaza. “Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflicts and early restoration of peace and stability.The two leaders also reviewed progress in the bilateral cooperation agenda, including in the areas of trade, defence, civil nuclear cooperation, technology and energy. They reaffirmed joint commitment to strengthen the India-France Strategic Partnership and mark 2026 as ‘Year of Innovation’ in a befitting manner. President Macron also conveyed support for early conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between India and the EU. The leaders agreed to remain in touch on all issues. President Macron said in a post on X:
“I have just spoken with Prime Minister @NarendraModi.
“We coordinated our positions on the war in Ukraine in order to move towards a just and lasting peace, with strong guarantees for Ukraine and Europe’s security.
“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 the BRICS in 2026.”
Notably, the French President’s phone call regarding Ukraine comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin called up PM Modi and other BRICS leaders to brief them about the Ukraine developments. US President Donald Trump is trying to mediate peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine.
