PM Modi, France's Macron Discuss Bilateral Ties

Both expressing concern at the risk to the global food security

New Delhi: On Tuesday, PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron reviewed ongoing bilateral initiatives, including defence collaboration projects and cooperation in civil nuclear energy.

During their telephonic conversation, they both discussed important geopolitical challenges, including those related to global food security, a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.

India and France have been expressing concern at the risk to the global food security and nutrition of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

"Spoke to my friend President @EmmanuelMacron today. Conveyed India's solidarity with France in dealing with the devastating wildfires," PM Modi said in a tweet.

"We discussed ongoing bilateral cooperation under the India-France Strategic Partnership, and other issues of global and regional significance," he said.

"President @EmmanuelMacron and I also agreed to cooperate closely in responding to global challenges of food and energy security," he added.

The PMO statement also said the leaders reviewed ongoing bilateral initiatives, including defence cooperation projects and cooperation in civil nuclear energy. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the depth and strength that the India-France Strategic Partnership has acquired in recent years and agreed to continue working closely together to expand the relationship to new areas of cooperation, the statement said.

On Monday, PM Modi had said he was touched by Macron's greetings on India's Independence Day. India truly cherishes its close relations with France, and their bilateral partnership is for global good, he then added.