Red Sea: PM Modi, French President Macron express 'grave concerns' over expansion of conflict
Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed «grave concerns» at the possibility of further expansion of the conflict in the Middle-East, including in the Red Sea. A joint statement issued late on Friday night said the two leaders called for upholding the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and underlined the need for respecting the international law of the sea.
Modi and Macron held wide-ranging talks at a luxury palace on Thursday.
The French President was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi.
The two leaders expressed «grave concern at the possibility of further expansion of the conflict in the region, including in the Red Sea», which already resulted a significant economic impact, the statement said.
The Houthi militants have been attacking merchant vessels in the Red Sea since November, apparently in response to Israel's military offensive in Gaza.
«They (Modi and Macron) recalled the utmost importance of upholding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and of respecting the international law of the sea,» the statement said.
«They had detailed conversation aimed at coordinating their efforts in that region in this regard,» it added.
Modi and Macron also «strongly condemned» the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7 and expressed solidarity with the people of Israel, it said.
«Condemning the huge loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict, they emphasised the need to respect international humanitarian law and to create conditions, including through a humanitarian ceasefire, for aid to flow to the affected population in the Gaza region,» it said.
«Both leaders also called for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. The two leaders reaffirmed that a
