“Spoke with my friend President Emmanuel Macron today. We discussed our shared concerns over the evolving situation in West Asia and the need for a return to dialogue and diplomacy,” PM Modi said in a post on X
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a telephonic conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the escalating crisis in West Asia.
“Spoke with my friend President Emmanuel Macron today. We discussed our shared concerns over the evolving situation in West Asia and the need for a return to dialogue and diplomacy,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Spoke with my friend President Emmanuel Macron today. We discussed our shared concerns over the evolving situation in West Asia and the need for a return to dialogue and diplomacy. We will continue to engage closely and coordinate efforts towards the early restoration of peace…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 5, 2026
He added that India and France would “continue to engage closely and coordinate efforts towards the early restoration of peace and stability in the region.”
The call comes as France repositions its forces in the region.
Macron ordered the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to move from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean to protect allied assets. He said the carrier would be escorted by frigates, supported by its air wing, and that Rafale fighter jets, air-defence systems, and airborne radar platforms are already deployed.
“And we will continue this effort as much as necessary,” Macron said.
While France, the UK, and Germany have stated they were not involved in the US-Israeli strikes on Iran last week, Macron stressed that Paris is ready to take defensive action.
French forces shot down drones “in legitimate self-defence in the very first hours of the conflict, to defend the airspace of our allies, who know they can rely on us,” he said, without giving operational details.
Macron cited a strike on a British air force base in Cyprus — an EU member with which France recently signed a strategic partnership — as the reason for moving the carrier group.
Earlier, PM Modi highlighted India’s stance on global conflicts during a joint press conference with Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
“Today, the world is passing through a phase of instability and uncertainty. From Ukraine to West Asia, conflict persists in many parts of the world. India and Finland, both, believe in the rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy. We are in agreement that no issue can be resolved through military conflict alone. Be it Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support the swift end of conflicts and every effort towards peace,” PM Modi said.
With inputs from agencies
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