Both leaders expressed shared concern over the ongoing conflict and called for a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the escalating situation in West Asia, with both leaders expressing shared concern over the ongoing conflict and calling for a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
“Spoke with my friend President Emmanuel Macron today. We discussed our shared concerns over the evolving situation in West Asia and the need for a return to dialogue and diplomacy. We will continue to engage closely and coordinate efforts towards the early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter), tagging the French President.
Spoke with my friend President Emmanuel Macron today. We discussed our shared concerns over the evolving situation in West Asia and the need for a return to dialogue and diplomacy. We will continue to engage closely and coordinate efforts towards the early restoration of peace…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 5, 2026
France Shifts Military Posture
The call comes at a time when France is repositioning its forces in the region as Macron ordered the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to move from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean to help protect allied assets. Macron said the carrier would be escorted by frigates and supported by its air wing and confirmed that Rafale fighter jets, air-defence systems and airborne radar platforms have already been deployed to the region.
“And we will continue this effort as much as necessary,” Macron said.
France, the United Kingdom and Germany have previously said they were not involved in the US and Israeli strikes on Iran that began late last week. However, Macron made clear that Paris is prepared to take defensive action. French forces shot down drones “in legitimate self-defence in the very first hours of the conflict, to defend the airspace of our allies, who know they can rely on us,” he said, without elaborating on operational details.
Macron cited a strike on a British air force base in Cyprus as the reason for repositioning the carrier group. Cyprus is a European Union member state with which France recently signed a strategic partnership.
PM Modi’s Message On West Asia Crisis
Earlier, PM Modi underlined India’s position on the conflict while speaking at a joint press conference with Finnish President Alexander Stubb.