India and France Seek Ways to Boost Bilateral Ties: But What Did They Discuss on Ukraine War?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke on Thursday about world conflicts and ways to strengthen ties between India and France.

PM Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that he had a “very good conversation” with President Macron, whom he called a friend. Modi said the two leaders shared views on finding peaceful solutions to the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. He also said both countries are committed to further deepening their strategic partnership.

India and France to Focus on Peace and Global Partnerships

President Macron also shared more about the talks. He said India and France discussed their stand on the Ukraine war and agreed that the aim should be a fair and lasting peace. Macron stressed that peace must protect Ukraine’s independence and keep Europe safe. He also said both countries will grow trade and work together in many areas, calling the partnership important for independence and strength.

Macron further spoke about technology and global cooperation. He recalled the AI Action Summit held in Paris in February, which Prime Minister Modi attended. Looking ahead, he said India and France are now preparing for the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in 2026. He added that the two countries will also work closely during France’s G7 presidency and India’s BRICS presidency in 2026, with the goal of building stronger and fairer international systems.

Both Nations Discuss Cooperation on Technology, Defence and Future Cooperation

Earlier in February, Prime Minister Modi visited France for three days. His trip included discussions on artificial intelligence, trade, energy, and culture. He co-chaired the AI Action Summit, which gathered world leaders and leading technology CEOs. After the visit, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that India-France relations had reached a new level. He highlighted that Modi and Macron even held important talks aboard the French presidential aircraft.

A joint statement from that visit showed the two leaders’ call for reforms in global institutions. They said stronger cooperation was needed to secure peace and fairness in the world, while also addressing global challenges like technology and the economy. Both stressed the urgency of reforming the United Nations Security Council. They agreed to work together on limiting the use of veto powers in cases of mass killings or other atrocities.

The leaders also announced that 2026 would mark the “India-France Year of Innovation.” Its official logo will be launched in New Delhi in March 2026.

Defence ties remain an important part of the partnership. Modi and Macron welcomed continued cooperation in air and maritime security, under the Defence Industrial Roadmap agreed in 2024.

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