PM Modi and Macron discussed J&K, says French embassy

NEW DELHI: French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the situation in J&K with PM Narendra Modi in a telephonic conversation last week, the French government said in a statement. The Indian readout of the same conversation had not specifically mentioned Kashmir. The two leaders also discussed the recent tensions in West Asia.


On Monday, Modi also had a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed the crisis in the Gulf in the wake of US-Iran tensions over the killing of Iranian general Qassim Suleimani. A statement issued by the French embassy said, “In the spirit of trust and frankness that characterises their relations, the French president and the Indian prime minister discussed the situation in the region of Kashmir, which

France

continues to follow closely.”

It also said the two leaders expressed their interest in pursuing the strengthening of India-France partnership in the military and civil nuclear fields, as well as enhancing operational cooperation in the

Indo-Pacific

region.A Russian government release said Putin and Modi and discussed “current international matters, including the developments in the

Persian Gulf

region and in Libya”. The phone conversation took place at the initiative of the Indian side.“The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues and underlined the great similarity and convergence in the approaches of India and

Russia

for ensuring regional and global security, peace and stability,” the MEA said.