French President Emmanuel Macron (R) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Photo: AP)

Their telephone conversation came just a few days after Australia pulled out of a submarine contract with France in order to buy US submarines. 

Macron assured Modi of France's continued commitment to strengthening India's strategic autonomy, industry, and technology base, as part of a close relationship based on trust and mutual respect.

A statement from Macron's office said France and India's shared approach will aim at promoting regional stability and the rule of law, while ruling out any form of hegemony.

Macron plans to have a phone conversation very soon with US President Joe Biden.