India and France discussed developments linked to Ukraine, the Gulf, the Indo-Pacific and the United Nations during a phone call between their foreign ministers. The conversation comes amid continued efforts by New Delhi to deepen its strategic partnership with Paris and engagement on regional and global issues…reports Asian Lite News Desk
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot on Wednesday, with the two ministers discussing developments related to Ukraine, the Gulf, the Indo-Pacific and the United Nations.
Following the conversation, Jaishankar said on X: “Good to speak to French FM Jean-Noel Barrot. Discussed developments pertaining to Ukraine, the Gulf, Indo-Pacific and the UN. Look forward to our next meeting.”
The discussion came after Jaishankar’s recent visit to Ukraine and Poland. During his visit to Kyiv, the External Affairs Minister said India was ready to help in any way to find an end to the longstanding conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Jaishankar expressed India’s readiness to contribute to efforts towards ending the conflict during his meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv.
India has maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are important for resolving the Ukraine conflict and has continued to engage with both Kyiv and Moscow.
The latest conversation also follows increasing engagement between India and France on bilateral, regional and global issues.
In June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France, where he attended the Group of Seven Summit and held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. He also attended the Bharat Innovates Programme and VivaTech 2026 during the visit.
Following his talks with Macron, Modi wrote on X: “Today’s talks with my friend, President Macron, were exceptionally productive. Considering the longstanding friendship between our nations, we have decided to elevate our ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.”
“Our talks covered ways to deepen cooperation in key sectors like defence, technology, space, security, counter terrorism, innovation and more,” he added.
Jaishankar and Barrot also met in May on the sidelines of the Informal Meeting of European Union Foreign Ministers in Cyprus.
“Always nice to meet FM Jean-Noel Barrot of France, this time in Cyprus,” Jaishankar posted on X following that meeting.
Earlier in April, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri co-chaired the India-France Foreign Office Consultations with Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Martin Briens in Paris.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the consultations covered a broad range of areas, including defence, civil nuclear energy, space, cooperation in cyber and digital domains, artificial intelligence and innovation.
The discussions also covered initiatives aimed at strengthening human and cultural ties, along with global and regional developments.
During his France visit, Misri also called on Barrot. Their discussions covered bilateral cooperation and ongoing global challenges, including the situation in the Middle East.
The Indian Embassy in France said on X: “Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called on the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs H.E. Jean-Noel Barrot. Discussions covered key areas of bilateral cooperation, ongoing global challenges, including the situation in the Middle East.”
The latest Jaishankar-Barrot conversation highlights the continuing diplomatic engagement between India and France as the two countries address developments across multiple regions and international forums.
