Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation on Saturday, exchanging views on India-France bilateral ties and the conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent position, advocating a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, and called for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region.

The two leaders positively reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation across key sectors including defence, space, science, technology, and the economy. PM Modi also thanked President Macron for accepting the invitation to India's AI Impact Summit in February 2026, expressing anticipation for his visit. Both leaders committed to maintaining close contact to promote global peace and stability.

This discussion comes amid a flurry of diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. President Macron apprised PM Modi of the outcome of a recent meeting between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and the "Coalition of the Willing". India has emerged as an alternative diplomatic channel for the West, particularly after Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged New Delhi's role in promoting peace during the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.