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Modi-Macron joint statement calls for cessation of hostilities in Ukraine; France condemns Russia

India and France called for the two sides to to promote dialogue, diplomacy

Macron in India Modi meet AP French President Emmanuel Macron with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi | AP

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, India and France on Wednesday called for "an immediate cessation of hostilities" in Ukraine. "France and India expressed their deep concern over the humanitarian crisis and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine," PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron said in a joint statement after they met in Paris for talks and a working dinner. "Both countries unequivocally condemned the fact that civilians have been killed in Ukraine, and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in order for the two sides to come together to promote dialogue and diplomacy, and to put an immediate end to the suffering of the people."

However, only France condemned "Russian forces' illegal and unjustified aggression against Ukraine.

Modi left for home on Thursday after concluding his three-nation European tour during which he held a series of bilateral meetings to boost ties in a range of areas including trade, energy and green technology.

Modi, who was in Paris for the final leg of his tour, held extensive talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, who was re-elected to the top post over a week back. He discussed with Macron issues of bilateral and mutual interests as well as regional and global developments, amid Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

Macron held a tete-a-tete with Modi before the delegation-level talks at the Elysee Palace—the official residence of the French President.

Modi's visit comes amid the Ukraine crisis, which has united much of Europe against Russia. The Ukraine issue also figured prominently at the second India-Nordic summit attended by Prime Minister Modi and his counterparts from Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark in Copenhagen on Wednesday. Modi has said that India believes no country will emerge victorious in the Russia-Ukraine war as all will suffer losses and there will be a "more serious" impact on developing and poor countries.

Modi, who arrived from Copenhagen, held "productive talks" with his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen on Tuesday and also attended a business summit to discuss economic linkages. The second India-Nordic summit primarily focused on post-pandemic economic recovery, climate change, renewable energy and the evolving global security scenario.

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