New Delhi — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the war in Ukraine and pledged support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace achieved through dialogue and diplomacy. In a joint statement issued after bilateral talks during Macron’s visit to India, the two leaders “reiterated their concern over the war in Ukraine, which continues to cause immense human suffering and negative global consequences,” the statement shared by the External Affairs Ministry said.
The joint statement stressed the “importance of cessation of hostilities” and voiced support for a peace process that respects the UN Charter and international law, including Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The declaration came ahead of planned peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Geneva, which the statement noted are to be mediated by the United States.
On the Gaza situation, New Delhi and Paris backed implementation of the Peace Plan for Gaza in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the principles of the New York Declaration. The leaders called for a two-state solution pursued through dialogue, urging all parties to implement the resolution in full and pressing for rapid, safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid across the Gaza Strip.
The joint statement also referenced an upcoming US-led Board of Peace meeting scheduled for February 19. Launched by US President Donald Trump in Davos in January to oversee Gaza’s post-war transition, the Board’s expanded mandate to promote “global peace” and charter elements — including provisions allowing Trump to serve indefinitely as chairman — have prompted legal and political concerns in several EU capitals, the statement said.
Beyond immediate crises, India and France reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific. They called for closer cooperation under existing frameworks — including the 2018 India-France strategic vision for the Indian Ocean and the 2023 Indo-Pacific roadmap — and signaled enhanced engagement through the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the Indian Ocean Rim Association under India’s chairship. The two sides welcomed recent joint initiatives such as International Solar Alliance training programs, a CDRI-AFD memorandum to boost disaster resilience, and progress under the Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation on projects in digital startups, health and digital public infrastructure.
Both leaders underscored the need for reformed, effective multilateralism to meet global challenges and specifically reiterated the urgent requirement for United Nations Security Council reform. The joint statement followed bilateral talks in Mumbai during President Macron’s fourth visit to India.
Original Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-france-express-concern-over-ukraine-war-call-for-2-state-solution-in-gaza-11051307#publisher=newsstand
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Publish Date: 2026-02-18 04:23:00
