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France presses India to opt for dialogue in Kashmir crisis



French President Emmanuel Macron (R) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sit next to the French, the European and the Indian national flags as they attend a meeting to hold talks at the Chateau of Chantilly, near Paris, on August 22, 2019. (Photo by PASCAL ROSSIGNOL / POOL / AFP)

CHANTILLY, France (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has met with India’s prime minister, discussing climate and other concerns ahead of the G-7 summit but also pressing for dialogue with Pakistan over the crisis in Kashmir.

The meeting Thursday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was part of a marathon day of diplomacy for Macron, who is touching base with key countries before the weekend summit in Biarritz. Modi will be a special guest there.

France India

Macron met earlier Thursday with new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Greece’s prime minister.

Macron said he stressed the need for India and Pakistan to resolve differences bilaterally and avoid an escalation.

On Aug. 5, Modi downgraded the autonomy of Muslim-majority Kashmir and sent thousands of troops to the region.

France India

Modi made no mention of Kashmir in his statement.