Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that no issue can be resolved through military conflict alone, stressing the importance of rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy as tensions continue to escalate in West Asia.
Modi made the remarks after holding bilateral talks with Finland President Alexander Stubb in New Delhi, a day after a US submarine downed an Iranian naval vessel off the Sri Lankan coast amid the widening regional conflict.
“India and Finland, both, believe in the rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy. We are in agreement that no issue can be resolved through military conflict alone. Be it Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support the swift end of conflicts and every effort towards peace,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister also underlined the need for reforms in global institutions to deal with emerging challenges.
“We agree that reforming global institutions to address the growing global challenges is not only necessary but also urgent,” Modi said, referring to India’s push for changes in the United Nations Security Council and other multilateral bodies.
“And rooting out terrorism in all its forms is our shared commitment,” he added.
Stubb, speaking alongside Modi, said security issues in West Asia and Europe were discussed during the meeting, with both sides emphasising the need to end ongoing conflicts.
“Today we discussed security issues in the region. We have conflicts in both regions, in West Asia and also, of course, in Ukraine,” Stubb said.
“For us, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has lasted for too long, four years. We agreed that ending the war is in everyone’s interests. A lasting peace can only be one that respects the principles of the United Nations,” he added.
The remarks come amid growing international concern over the expanding conflict in West Asia. Earlier this week, India expressed “deep concern and great anxiety” over the rapidly deteriorating situation following recent strikes in the region.
In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the developments had resulted in significant loss of lives and posed risks to regional stability.
He also noted that some Indian nationals had died or gone missing in recent attacks, underlining India’s “critical stakes” in the security and stability of the region.
New Delhi has also stepped up diplomatic outreach in the region. Modi has spoken to leaders of Qatar, Oman and Kuwait in recent days, condemning violations of sovereignty and stressing the urgent need to restore peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.
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