Journalism of Courage
IN THE second call in about a fortnight, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed efforts for bringing an early end to the conflict in Ukraine.
PM Modi also thanked President Macron for accepting the invitation to the ‘AI Impact Summit’ hosted by India in February 2026, and said he is looking forward to his visit.
The two leaders had last spoken on August 21, after Macron met US President Donald Trump and shared his thoughts of the meeting between the US President and European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This meeting had taken place after the Alaska meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The call on Saturday was made after Macron hosted the meeting of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ leaders, including Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan among others, in Paris to discuss support for Ukraine. This meeting too was attended by the Ukrainian President.
After the call, PM Modi posted on X, “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.”
Macron posted on X, “I just spoke with Prime Minister @NarendraModi. I presented him the outcome of the work we carried out with President Zelensky and our partners of the Coalition of the Willing last Thursday in Paris.”
“India and France share the same determination to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Building on our friendship and our strategic partnership, we will continue moving forward together to trace this path toward peace.”
According to a PMO statement, the two leaders “positively assessed the developments in bilateral cooperation across different sectors including economic, defence, science, technology and space”.
“The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment towards further strengthening of the India-France Strategic Partnership, in line with the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, the Indo-Pacific Roadmap and the Defence Industrial Roadmap,” the PMO said.
“They exchanged views on recent efforts towards bringing an end to the conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflict and early restoration of peace and stability,” the statement said.
Both leaders agreed to continue to remain in touch and work closely together to promote global peace and stability, said the PMO.
On August 21, Modi and Macron exchanged views on the ongoing efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and the West Asia region.
France has been one of India’s foremost strategic partners. The relationship encompasses defence, strategic, security, nuclear, space, climate change, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Macron has travelled to India several times, including in January 2024 for the Republic Day celebrations, and enjoys a comfort with the Indian leadership.
