Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently held a "very good conversation" with French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on efforts for the "peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and in West Asia". The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the India-France strategic partnership.

This discussion comes shortly after President Macron participated in meetings in Washington with other European leaders, including Ukrainian President Zelensky, to discuss a possible end to the Ukraine war. The reference to West Asia in their call likely pertains to the situation in Israel and Gaza.

The conversation further underscores India's growing prominence in global diplomacy. As highlighted by Abhishek Kapoor, senior executive editor at Republic World, India's "centrality" in such negotiations is significant, given its geographical location and the fact that Prime Minister Modi is seen as a "statesman" by world leaders. Modi has engaged with various global figures, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Brazil's Lula, and is one of the few leaders capable of speaking to both sides in the Ukraine conflict. This demonstrates India's acknowledged stature and its contribution to the overall peace process.