Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told French President Emmanuel Macron that there is an urgent need for dialogue and diplomacy in the de-escalation of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Modi said he looks forward to coordinating with Macron for peace and stability in the region and beyond. “Spoke with my dear friend, President Emmanuel Macron, on the situation in West Asia and the urgent need for de-escalation, as well as a return to dialogue and diplomacy. We look forward to continuing our close coordination to advance peace and stability in the region and beyond," he said.

His remarks came soon after Macron condemned the “reckless escalation" as Iran struck energy sites in the Gulf. Speaking on arrival at EU talks in Brussels, he warned that if energy “production capacities themselves are destroyed, this war will have a much more lasting impact".

Macron further called for “direct talks between the Americans and Iranians on this matter", but Iran was quick to slam his stance on the war. Tehran said he has failed to condemn Israeli and American actions while voicing concern over Iranian retaliation.

Source: News18