The leaders also reviewed ongoing bilateral initiatives including defence cooperation projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday and conveyed India's solidarity in dealing with the ongoing drought and devastating wildfires in France.

Both leaders also agreed to cooperate closely in responding to global challenges of food and energy security.

"Spoke to my friend President @EmmanuelMacron today. Conveyed India’s solidarity with France in dealing with the devastating wildfires. We discussed ongoing bilateral cooperation under the India-France Strategic Partnership, and other issues of global and regional significance," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

"President @EmmanuelMacron and I also agreed to cooperate closely in responding to global challenges of food and energy security," he added.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the leaders reviewed ongoing bilateral initiatives including defence cooperation projects and cooperation in civil nuclear energy. They also discussed important geopolitical challenges including those related to global food security.

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 to expand the relationship to new areas of cooperation, the PMO stated.

France has been battling a devastating wildfire that has forced thousands to flee their homes. Wildfires have broken out in several parts of Europe this summer as the continent experiences a record heat wave that has renewed the focus on climate change.

The telephone conversation between the two leaders came a day after the French President greeted India on the 76th Independence Day. "Dear friend @NarendraModi, dear people of India, congratulations on your Independence Day! As you proudly celebrate India’s stunning achievements in the past 75 years, you can count on France to always stand by your side," Macron had tweeted.

Thanking Macron, Prime Minister Modi wrote on Twitter, "Touched by your Independence Day greetings, President @EmmanuelMacron. India truly cherishes its close relations with France. Ours is a bilateral partnership for global good."