During a meeting with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai, French President Emmanuel Macron urged India to support an immediate and long-term moratorium on strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. This call comes as Ukraine and Russia engage in renewed US-mediated negotiations in Geneva, aimed at bringing an end to a four-year conflict.

Macron's plea reflects growing international concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, particularly following recent Russian attacks on energy infrastructure in various regions. These incidents highlight the dire situation facing civilians, reinforcing the call for greater international cooperation to protect non-combatants in times of war. India's longstanding ties with both New Delhi and Moscow add complexity to its stance on the conflict, as it often seeks a balanced approach.

As discussions between Ukrainian and Russian officials intensify, Macron's request may signal an attempt to leverage India's position and influence to advocate for peace and protection of civilians. The implications of such a moratorium could shift the dynamics of the conflict, emphasizing the necessity for accountability in military actions and the safeguard of human rights in warfare.