PM Modi and French President Macron Discuss West Asia Crisis, Call for Safe Navigation in Strait of Hormuz

On Thursday, April 16, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the evolving situation in West Asia. The leaders emphasized the urgent need to restore safety and ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global energy trade.

Modi shared details of the call on X, stating: “Received a phone call from my dear friend President Emmanuel Macron. We discussed the situation in West Asia and agreed on the need to urgently restore safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. We will continue our close cooperation to advance peace and stability in the region and beyond.”

The discussion comes shortly after Modi’s earlier conversation with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, April 15, 2026, during which similar concerns about West Asia and the security of the Strait of Hormuz were addressed. Both leaders had previously stressed the importance of keeping the vital waterway open and secure amid rising regional tensions.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, serves as a key transit point for approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Recent disruptions to navigation in the area have raised international concerns over energy supply chains and regional stability.

India and France have maintained close diplomatic coordination on West Asia developments, particularly regarding the safety of Indian nationals in Gulf nations and the protection of maritime trade routes. Modi has been in regular contact with leaders across the Gulf region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain, to monitor the security situation for Indian expatriates.

Both India and France have advocated for de-escalation and peaceful resolution of conflicts in West Asia, while underscoring the necessity of safeguarding international shipping lanes. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration on regional peace and stability efforts.

As tensions persist in the region, international stakeholders continue to call for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation and ensure the uninterrupted flow of commerce through one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime passages.