Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday about the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Both leaders also reviewed ways to strengthen the India-France strategic partnership.
Modi shares details of talks
In a post on X, PM Modi described the discussion as productive. He said, “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."
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.@EmmanuelMacron
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 21, 2025
Macron highlights Ukraine peace efforts
President Macron confirmed that they “coordinated our positions on the war in Ukraine to move toward a just and lasting peace, with strong guarantees for Ukraine and the security of Europe."
He further said, “Regarding trade issues, we agreed to strengthen our economic exchanges and our strategic partnership in all areas, which is the key to our sovereignty and independence. Following the Summit for Action on AI held in Paris last February, we are working toward the success of the Summit on Artificial Intelligence to be held in New Delhi in 2026. For a more effective multilateralism, we agreed to closely coordinate in view of the French presidency of the G7 and the Indian presidency of the BRICS in 2026."
Macron’s role at Washington meeting
Earlier this week, Macron attended a meeting at the White House with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and several European leaders. Leaders of Britain, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Union, and NATO also joined to express solidarity with Ukraine and press for security guarantees in any future settlement with Russia. The Washington meeting came soon after Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
Macron calls for Europe’s role in Ukraine talks
During the White House gathering, Macron proposed a four-way meeting on Ukraine that would include Europe. He stressed the importance of a trilateral format between the US, Russia, and Ukraine, saying it was “very important, because this is the only way to fix it." However, he also suggested Europe should take part, though he did not specify who would represent the continent.
Modi’s talks with Putin
Following the Alaska summit, President Putin called PM Modi to brief him about his discussions with Trump. In response, PM Modi thanked Putin and reiterated India’s position. He underlined that India has always supported diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the conflict. He also reaffirmed that India backs all international efforts aimed at peace.