French President Emmanuel Macron contacted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the critical situation in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need for urgent action to restore safety and freedom of navigation. This conversation precedes a virtual conference scheduled for April 17 in Paris, hosted by France and the UK, aimed at coordinating efforts to safeguard international shipping in the region. The Strait of Hormuz has been closed by Iran following military strikes that intensified the West Asia conflict. Macron stated that the strait should be reopened unconditionally and without tolls as soon as possible. The conference will gather non-belligerent nations to contribute to a multilateral mission focused on restoring navigation freedom when security conditions permit. India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri previously represented India at a related meeting chaired by British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper on April 2.