PM Modi and President Macron Reaffirm Strategic Partnership, Stress Peace in Ukraine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held an important telephone conversation on September 6, 2025, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing pressing global challenges. At the center of their dialogue was the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where both leaders reiterated the urgency of achieving a peaceful resolution. The discussion reflected the growing synergy between India and France, with the two leaders presenting a united front on the need for stability in Europe and beyond.

Describing the dialogue as “very good,” PM Modi added that the leaders exchanged views on key regional and international developments.(PMO) | Hindustan Times

India and France on the Ukraine Conflict

President Macron briefed Modiji about the outcomes of the recent “Coalition of the Willing” meeting in Paris, where 26 nations committed to providing post-war security guarantees to Ukraine. Modiji expressed India’s consistent support for initiatives that prioritize dialogue and peace over conflict, underscoring New Delhi’s role as a responsible global player. In turn, Macron acknowledged India’s diplomatic balance in engaging with all stakeholders, including Russia, while maintaining a principled stand on peace.

On social media, Modiji described the exchange as a “very good conversation,” highlighting their shared vision for a “just and lasting peace.” Macron echoed this sentiment, affirming that both countries are determined to contribute meaningfully to ending the war.

Deepening Bilateral Cooperation

The conversation also reinforced the strength of the India–France Strategic Partnership, built on decades of trust and cooperation. Both leaders reviewed progress in sectors such as defence, space, science, technology, and the economy. They agreed to accelerate collaboration under three major frameworks: the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, the Indo-Pacific Roadmap, and the Defence Industrial Roadmap.

Prime Minister Modi also extended his gratitude to President Macron for accepting the invitation to participate in India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit, scheduled for February 2026. This summit is expected to be a landmark event, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the responsible and transformative use of artificial intelligence.

Continuity in Strategic Dialogue

This was not the first time in recent weeks that Modiji and Macron aligned on global issues. In August, Macron had reached out to Modiji to coordinate positions on Ukraine following a White House meeting with Western leaders. Their regular communication underlines the strategic weight both countries place on their partnership—one that extends beyond bilateral relations to addressing global crises.

Meanwhile, India has maintained its delicate balancing act by engaging both with Ukraine and Russia. Modiji has spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and also held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin. India’s consistent message has been clear: dialogue, diplomacy, and de-escalation remain the only sustainable path forward.

The MGMM Outlook

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron once again underlined the growing depth of the India–France strategic partnership. Their exchange carried global significance, especially as it touched upon the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both leaders stressed the urgent need for peace, with Modiji reiterating India’s consistent position of promoting dialogue and diplomacy over confrontation. Macron briefed him on the outcomes of the “Coalition of the Willing” meeting in Paris, while acknowledging India’s balanced role in engaging with all sides, including Russia, to seek a just and lasting solution. The dialogue highlighted how New Delhi is steadily strengthening its image as a responsible voice for peace in a deeply divided world.

Beyond global challenges, the conversation reinforced the robust bilateral cooperation between the two nations across defence, technology, space, and the Indo-Pacific. The leaders agreed to accelerate work on major frameworks such as the Horizon 2047 Roadmap and the Indo-Pacific partnership, while also looking ahead to the AI Impact Summit in India next year, where Macron’s participation is expected to add weight to the event. Their continued engagement underscores that India and France are not only nurturing bilateral trust but are also shaping the larger narrative of global stability, technological leadership, and strategic balance.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, NDTV, LiveMint)