Prime Minister Modi also thanked President Macron for Covid-19 assistance by France

Expressing satisfaction over the positive outcomes of the recent India-EU Leaders' Meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday described the announcements on trade, investment and connectivity as "welcome steps".

The Indian Prime Minister and the French President agreed that the announcements regarding resumption of negotiations for balanced and comprehensive free trade and investment agreements, and India-EU Connectivity Partnership were welcome steps, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement after a phone call between the two leaders.

Earlier this month, PM Modi held a virtual meeting with the heads of state or government of all the 27 European Union member states.

During Wednesday's phone call, Prime Minister Modi also thanked President Macron for the assistance rendered by France to India’s Covid response.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the depth and strength that the India-France Strategic Partnership has acquired in recent years and agreed to continue working closely together in the post-COVID era.

They also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest, the PMO said.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated his invitation to President Macron to visit India as soon as conditions permit.