New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a telephonic conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, during which the leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral and global issues. PM Modi described the interaction on X as a “very good conversation,” noting that both sides positively assessed progress in defence, trade, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

The leaders also exchanged views on key international and regional matters, with special focus on efforts to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi emphasized that the India–France Strategic Partnership, which recently marked its 25th anniversary, continues to play an important role in promoting global peace, stability, and multilateral cooperation.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning to Western leaders, stating that any deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine would be considered a direct threat and a “legitimate target” for Russian forces. Speaking at an economic forum in Vladivostok, Putin added that foreign military presence would be unnecessary if peace arrangements were successfully implemented.