Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in a telephonic conversation on Thursday, August 21, 2025, where they exchanged views on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between India and France.

During the call, Macron conveyed France's support for India's upcoming presidency of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) in 2026. Modi and Macron also discussed trade issues and agreed to strengthen economic exchanges and strategic partnerships across all sectors, emphasizing its importance for sovereignty and independence.

In the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, Modi and Macron coordinated their positions to work towards a just and lasting peace, ensuring strong guarantees for Ukraine and European security. Modi reiterated India's consistent support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the early restoration of peace and stability.

The discussions occurred in the wake of a recent meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15. Trump also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders, including Macron.

Macron highlighted the follow-up to the AI Action Summit held in Paris last February, where Modi participated. Both leaders agreed to collaborate towards the success of the AI Impact Summit scheduled in New Delhi in 2026. They also agreed to work closely together as France prepares for the G7 presidency and India for its BRICS presidency in 2026.

In addition to global issues, the leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation, including trade, defense, civil nuclear energy, technology, and energy. They reaffirmed their joint commitment to strengthen the India-France strategic partnership and mark 2026 as the "India-France Year of Innovation," with a formal inauguration planned in New Delhi.

The conversation took place amidst a complex geopolitical landscape, including rising tensions between the U.S. and India over trade. The U.S. imposed additional tariffs on Indian goods in response to India's continued purchase of oil from Russia, despite sanctions imposed by the U.S. and its Western allies.