What happened?
On September 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation in which they reviewed progress in the India–France strategic partnership across defence, economy, science, technology and space. They also exchanged views on international and regional issues, especially efforts to bring an early resolution to the Ukraine conflict. Modi reiterated India’s consistent call for peace and stability, while Macron briefed him on his discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and partners of the “Coalition of the Willing.” Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, the Indo-Pacific roadmap and the defence industrial roadmap.
Why it matters to India
France is one of India’s most important strategic partners in defence, technology and the Indo-Pacific. By reaffirming their partnership and aligning on a peaceful settlement to the Ukraine war, both leaders underscored India’s role as a credible interlocutor while ensuring continuity in key bilateral initiatives that support India’s economic, security and technological priorities.