Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged Thursday to expand trade and strategic cooperation across multiple sectors, framing the partnership as essential for both nations' sovereignty and independence. Macron said on the US social media company X that they agreed to 'strengthen our economic exchanges and our strategic partnership in all areas,' calling it the key to ensuring sovereignty and independence.

According to Anadolu Agency, Macron and Modi also coordinated their positions on the war in Ukraine to advance 'a just and lasting peace, with strong guarantees for Ukraine and the security of Europe.' Modi's office stated that the leaders exchanged views on conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Macron shared his assessment of recent meetings in Washington between European, US, and Ukrainian leaders, as well as his perspective on the situation in the Gaza Strip. Modi reiterated India's support for 'peaceful resolution of conflicts and early restoration of peace and stability.'

The statement further added that Macron and Modi reviewed progress on cooperation in trade, defense, civil nuclear energy, technology, and renewable energy. Both leaders reaffirmed their joint commitment to strengthening the India-France strategic partnership and marked 2026 as the 'Year of Innovation.' Macron expressed support for the early conclusion of a free trade agreement between India and the European Union, a long-running negotiation that both sides hope to accelerate.

Additionally, the two leaders pledged cooperation on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, with preparations underway for the AI Summit in New Delhi in 2026, following the Paris gathering earlier this year. They also committed to close coordination in multilateral forums, including France's upcoming G7 presidency and India's BRICS presidency in 2026. 'The leaders agreed to remain in touch on all issues,' said Modi's office.