Modi-Macron talks in Paris featured Ukraine conflict, Chinese actions in Indo-Pacific: sources

THE war in Ukraine and Chinese activities were key topics discussed during the talks between Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and French president Emmanuel Macron during the former's visit to Paris last week, sources have said, adding that both India and France shared similar views on them, PTI reported.

France, along with its western allies, believes that the situation in Ukraine has not improved since the G20 summit in Bali, and they stand firm on the commitments made in the joint leaders' declaration last year.

India, which holds the presidency of the G20 currently, is working towards consensus on the text regarding the Ukraine conflict to be included in the leaders' declaration at the upcoming New Delhi summit of the grouping in September.

However, there have been disagreements between the West and the Russia-China alliance regarding the text.

Two paragraphs from the G20 leaders' Bali declaration were included in the draft communique, but Russia and China deviated from their previous agreement, making it challenging for India to achieve consensus on this delicate issue.

Nevertheless, France and its allies insist on upholding the commitments made in the Bali declaration.

France is supporting India to ensure the success of its G20 presidency, and it also backs India's proposal to grant permanent membership to the African Union (AU) within the G20, the sources added. The AU, consisting of 55 member-states in Africa, is being considered for its voice which India says should not be ignored.

The discussions between Modi and Macron also addressed Chinese activities in the Indo-Pacific region, where global concerns about China's military assertiveness have been growing. In response, the two leaders unveiled an India-France Indo-Pacific roadmap aimed at enhancing cooperation in the region.

The roadmap emphasises their commitment to a free, open, inclusive, secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.

It underlines the importance of the India-France partnership as a crucial element within the interconnected and intersecting arrangements of the Indo-Pacific, essential for its peaceful and prosperous future.

(With agency inputs)