Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday evening, during which the two leaders discussed pressing international issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, while also reaffirming their commitment to deepening the India–France Strategic Partnership.
Focus on Global Peace and Stability According to official sources, President Macron briefed Prime Minister Modi on the outcomes of recent high-level meetings in Washington involving the leaders of Europe, the United States, and Ukraine. Macron also shared his perspectives on the evolving situation in Gaza, where renewed hostilities have drawn widespread international concern.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s long-standing position that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He underlined India’s consistent support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the urgent need for the restoration of stability in both Ukraine and West Asia.
“India’s approach has always been guided by the principle of peace and stability. The human cost of conflicts must never be ignored, and efforts must focus on dialogue, humanitarian relief, and rebuilding trust,” sources quoted Modi as saying during the call.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation Beyond global issues, the leaders reviewed the steady progress of bilateral cooperation between India and France. They discussed advancements across key sectors, including:
Defence collaboration: Joint development and manufacturing projects, including aerospace and maritime cooperation.
Civil nuclear energy: Ongoing initiatives to expand clean energy partnerships.
Trade and technology: Efforts to enhance bilateral trade flows and expand cooperation in areas such as digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
Climate and energy transition: Shared priorities in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable development.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to marking 2026 as the “Year of Innovation”, showcasing collaborative achievements in research, technology, and industry.
Boost to India–EU Trade Talks Significantly, President Macron also conveyed France’s strong support for the early conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union. With negotiations in advanced stages, the French endorsement is expected to add momentum to the discussions, which could open new opportunities for Indian businesses in European markets.
Strategic Depth of the India–France Partnership The India–France relationship, elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 1998, has consistently expanded to cover defence, space, civil nuclear energy, and more recently, Indo-Pacific cooperation. Macron and Modi last met during the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris in 2023, where Prime Minister Modi was the Guest of Honour, reflecting the closeness of ties.
Analysts note that today’s call further cements France’s role as one of India’s most trusted global partners, particularly at a time when geopolitical uncertainties demand stronger bilateral cooperation.
Looking Ahead The leaders agreed to remain in regular touch on key issues, ensuring continued coordination on global challenges and bilateral priorities. The call comes as India and France prepare for a series of high-level exchanges ahead of 2026, which is set to highlight innovation and shared technological progress.
For India, the call reinforced its diplomatic balancing act—advocating peace in conflict zones while simultaneously advancing strategic and economic partnerships with major global powers. For France, it signalled a reaffirmation of its long-standing commitment to India as a pillar of stability and growth in the Indo-Pacific region.
