French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant telephonic conversation on August 21, 2025, to discuss pivotal global and bilateral issues. At the forefront was their alignment on the ongoing war in Ukraine, emphasizing cooperation for a just and lasting peace. Alongside geopolitical discourse, the two leaders committed to deepening their economic exchanges and strategic partnership across diverse sectors. This dialogue not only underscores the growing India-France synergy but also sets the stage for collaborative leadership in global governance in 2026.
Key Highlights from the Conversation:
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Coordinated positions on the war in Ukraine aimed at achieving a just, lasting peace with robust guarantees for Ukraine and European security.
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Agreement to bolster economic exchanges and strengthen strategic partnerships in all areas, highlighting sovereignty and independence.
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Joint efforts in preparation for France’s G7 presidency and India’s BRICS presidency, both due in 2026.
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Commitment to advancing cooperation in global technology governance, notably following the AI Action Summit held in Paris in February 2025, with plans for the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in 2026.
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Discussion of peaceful resolutions to conflicts in West Asia, reinforcing broader international peace efforts.
Geopolitical Coordination:
During their call, Macron and Modi emphasized their shared stance on the Ukraine conflict, reflecting a diplomatic alignment aimed at constructive peacebuilding. Macron noted the importance of strong guarantees for Ukraine’s sovereignty and Europe’s security architecture. Modi, describing the conversation as very positive, reiterated India's commitment to peaceful resolution and strategic cooperation. This dialogue occurs amid intensifying global tensions, especially with ongoing tariff escalations by the US affecting trade dynamics involving India and the European Union.
Bilateral Economic and Strategic Partnership:
The leaders agreed to enhance their economic ties, viewing them as essential components of national sovereignty. France is India’s fifth-largest trading partner in the EU, with bilateral trade reaching approximately 13 billion Euros in the 2024-25 fiscal year. Trade areas include aviation, technology, clean energy, digital innovation, and sustainable infrastructure. Both sides are increasingly integrating French technologies into India’s development projects, particularly in renewables and urban infrastructure. The ongoing steps to enable India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in France symbolize advancing digital cooperation.
The partnership also extends beyond trade to strategic collaboration. With a focus on defense cooperation, including the recent inter-governmental agreement to procure Rafale fighter jets and joint exercises, India and France continue to deepen their longstanding defense ties.
Future Collaborative Initiatives:
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Preparation for G7 and BRICS presidencies: Macron and Modi pledged close cooperation ahead of France hosting the G7 and India leading BRICS in 2026, aiming for more effective multilateralism.
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Technology and AI: Building upon the AI Action Summit in Paris, both countries are working towards successfully hosting the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in 2026, with emphasis on responsible AI development and governance.
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Strategic dialogues suggest increased cooperation in innovation, trade diversification, and global governance frameworks.
Contextual Background:
This high-level exchange reflects the evolving global landscape where India and France seek to balance geopolitical challenges and economic opportunities. Amid US tariff pressures and the complex Ukraine conflict, their partnership signals a mutual commitment to sovereignty, peace, and economic resilience. As France prepares for the G7 and India for BRICS leadership roles, their coordination exemplifies an important global alliance seeking to influence international stability and development positively.
In summary, the call between Macron and Modi on August 21, 2025, represents a milestone in India-France relations, with significant implications for global diplomacy, economic collaboration, and technology governance moving into 2026.
Source: Reuters, NDTV, FirstPost, Deccan Herald, DD News, The Economic Times
