Seyma Erkul Dayanc
21 September 2026•Update: 21 September 2026
France sought to work with India to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and welcomed Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Iran and the US, according to the French Foreign Ministry on Monday.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot held separate meetings with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
During his meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the two ministers “underscored the imperative of ensuring freedom of navigation” in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Barrot proposed that India work jointly with France on the issue, which is “crucial to the stability and prosperity of Europe and Asia.”
He also recalled the Franco-British initiative launched to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Barrot and Jaishankar reiterated France and India’s commitment to international law and their joint support for “effective and reformed multilateralism.”
They also recalled their intention to reform the UN Security Council.
The two ministers reaffirmed their support for a ceasefire in Ukraine and for “a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with international law.”
They also welcomed progress in the “comprehensive and special Franco-Indian strategic partnership,” particularly in defense, new technologies and higher education.
Barrot separately met Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, with whom he discussed regional developments.
Barrot welcomed Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Iran and the US and stressed the need for “the most inclusive negotiations possible” to help secure energy supplies in particular and “sustainably address the threats posed by Iran in the nuclear, ballistic and regional spheres.”
The two ministers agreed to continue developing bilateral relations, particularly in university cooperation, cultural cooperation and sustainable development.
The US and Israel launched large-scale attacks against Iran on Feb. 28, targeting government buildings, military sites, missile infrastructure and air defenses. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel and US bases across the region.
The conflict paused with a ceasefire in April, followed by a memorandum signed in June aimed at reaching a final peace deal within 60 days. The agreement collapsed weeks later, while Pakistan and Qatar have continued efforts to mediate an end to the conflict.