France on Monday said the government was closely following the situation in Kashmir after the issue was discussed during a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron three days ago. A statement issued by the Elysée Palace said the two leaders discussed the situation in the region of Kashmir in the “spirit of trust and frankness” that characterises bilateral ties. "In the spirit of trust and frankness that characterises their relations, the French President and the Indian Prime Minister discussed the situation in the region of Kashmir, which France continues to follow closely," the statement released by the French embassy said. Also Read | Envoys’ J&K visit important step, detentions remain a concern: US A statement issued by the Indian government on Friday after talks between Modi and Macron, however, did not mention Kashmir. "The two leaders exchanged views on a range of issues of mutual interest in bilateral relations as well as regional and global situations," a statement issued by the Prime Minister Office had said. The statement by the French government comes after envoys of 15 countries, including the US, visited Jammu and Kashmir and interacted with select political representatives, civil society members and top military brass. Envoys from European countries were not part of the group. Besides the US, the group comprised envoys from South Korea, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Fiji, Maldives, Norway, Philippines, Morocco, Argentina, Peru, Niger, Nigeria, Guyana and Togo. Envoys from European countries were not part of the group. The statement also said that Macron and Modi expressed their shared view on the necessity of de-escalation of tension in the Middle East, adding that they agreed to work together towards easing tensions by urging the parties to show restraint and responsibility.
