President Macron dials PM Modi, discusses Ukraine conflict and bilateral cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron, during which the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral cooperation and global issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.

“President Macron shared assessment on the recent meetings held between the leaders of the Europe, US and Ukraine in Washington.  He also shared his perspectives on the situation in Gaza,” Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

“PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflicts and early restoration of peace and stability,” added the statement.

The conversation also covered the progress of India-France bilateral cooperation across sectors such as trade, defence, civil nuclear energy, technology, and clean energy.

“They reaffirmed joint commitment to strengthen India-France Strategic Partnership and  mark 2026 as ‘Year of Innovation’ in a befitting manner,” the statement further added.

President Macron expressed France’s support for the early conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union.

The two leaders agreed to remain in regular contact and continue close cooperation on regional and global issues.

After the phone call, French President took to X to share details of his conversation with PM Modi.

“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,” Macron wrote.

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…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 21, 2025

He said they also agreed to deepen economic ties and strengthen their strategic partnership across sectors.

“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,” he added.

Looking ahead, Macron said he and PM Modi reaffirmed their cooperation on global technology governance.

“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,” said the French President.

Macron and Modi also pledged to work closely in the lead-up to France’s G7 presidency and India’s BRICS presidency 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,” said Macron.

With inputs from agencies