Bisnis.com, JAKARTA – President of France Emmanuel Macron discussed cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region with the Prime Minister India, Narendra Modi after Paris was offended when Australia canceled a $ 40 billion contract for French submarines.

The two heads of state and government were talking on the phone, according to a statement from Macron’s office. The two heads of state and government also discussed issues such as the crisis in Afghanistan, as quoted by Al Jazeera.com on Wednesday (22/9).

Australia announced last week that it would be abandoning a contract with the French Navy Group in early 2016 to build a conventional fleet of submarines. Australia will build at least eight nuclear-powered submarines using US and British technology after signing a trilateral security partnership called Aukus.

Australia notified France just hours before withdrawing from the submarine deal, the French government said. France said Australia stabbed him in the back.

Last week, Paris called its US and Australian ambassadors back after Australia abandoned the deal.

French very angry with the US for quietly talking about a new strategic alliance. China has denounced Aukus and stated that the move would trigger an intensified arms race in the region.

On their phone conversation, Macron and Modi said they would “act together in an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region”.

Macron assured Modi of France’s continued commitment to strengthen India’s strategic autonomy, including its industrial and technological base. He said the close relationship was built on trust and mutual respect.

A statement from Macron’s office said that the joint approach by France and India will aim to “promote regional stability and the rule of law while excluding any form of hegemony”.

Macron’s talks with the Indian head of state preceded a planned meeting with US President Joe Biden. Biden has asked to speak to Macron, but no date has been set.

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