New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held a significant phone conversation on Thursday, where the two leaders discussed pressing international developments, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, trade concerns, and the future trajectory of the India-France strategic partnership.
According to official sources, a major focus of the discussion was the escalating situation in Ukraine, particularly in the backdrop of former US President Donald Trump’s recent diplomatic interventions.
Trump had met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, and subsequently also held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well as European leaders, including Macron. These high-stakes engagements added fresh dimensions to the global discourse around peace in Ukraine.
President Macron, reflecting on his call with Modi, posted on X (formerly Twitter): We coordinated our positions on the war in Ukraine to move towards a just and lasting peace, with strong guarantees for Ukraine and Europe’s security.”
Prime Minister Modi also echoed this sentiment, stating: Had a very good conversation with my friend President Macron. Exchanged views on efforts for a peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and in West Asia. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the India-France strategic partnership.”
Trade Tensions with the US
The talks also came at a time when India is facing increasing pressure from Washington. The United States, under former President Donald Trump, has imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports.
In the past week alone, a second round of additional tariffs amounting to 25% was slapped on top of the existing 25%, effectively doubling the trade burden on Indian exports to the US.
The trigger for this action, US officials claimed, was India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil — a move seen in defiance of sanctions imposed by the US and its Western allies to choke Russia’s war machinery since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
New Delhi, however, reacted strongly to the tariff decision, terming it “extremely unfortunate.” Officials emphasized that India, like several other countries, was pursuing its national interest in securing affordable energy supplies.
“Actions that many other nations are also undertaking cannot selectively be penalized,” an Indian statement noted.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Future Vision
Despite these tensions, Modi and Macron reiterated their determination to enhance bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. Macron emphasized that economic cooperation between India and France was not only crucial for both economies but also “the key to our sovereignty and independence.”
The leaders agreed to further bolster trade, defense, and technology partnerships while also charting out a roadmap for global governance. Both sides highlighted their intent to coordinate closely ahead of major global events scheduled in 2026.
France will assume the presidency of the G7, while India will chair the BRICS bloc in the same year. Macron has already expressed France’s full support for India’s role as BRICS president, underscoring New Delhi’s rising stature in international diplomacy.
Another critical area of cooperation discussed was the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). Macron, referring to the AI Action Summit held in Paris earlier this year, confirmed that preparations were underway for the AI Impact Summit scheduled to be hosted in New Delhi in 2026.
Both leaders agreed that joint efforts in emerging technologies would be essential for shaping the global digital economy and ensuring that AI contributes positively to global development.
Strategic Takeaway
The phone call between Modi and Macron once again underlined the deepening India-France strategic partnership, which has consistently grown stronger over the past decade. From defense cooperation and nuclear energy to trade, AI, and global governance, the two nations appear aligned in vision and action.
At the same time, the dialogue also highlighted India’s delicate balancing act on the global stage — maintaining strong ties with Russia for energy security, resisting unilateral sanctions from the US, while simultaneously strengthening its cooperation with Europe to advance peace, economic resilience, and technological innovation.
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