Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that military confrontation cannot resolve global disputes and stressed the importance of diplomacy and dialogue, as tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran continue to escalate across West Asia.
India Calls for Dialogue and Diplomacy
Speaking during a joint press conference with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb in New Delhi, Modi said India and Finland both believe in resolving conflicts through international law and diplomatic engagement rather than warfare.
“India and Finland believe in rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy. Only military conflict cannot solve any issue, whether it is Ukraine or West Asia. We are convinced that global institutions need urgent reform,” Modi said.
His remarks come as missile and drone exchanges between the US-Israel alliance and Iran have intensified, shaking the entire Middle East region.
War Escalation After Strikes on Iran
The crisis escalated after US-Israel strikes on Iran reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei last weekend, triggering retaliatory attacks and raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Amid the escalating hostilities, the Iranian naval warship IRIS Dena was reportedly struck off the coast of Sri Lanka, resulting in heavy casualties among sailors on board.
IRIS Dena’s Link With India
Iranian authorities said the vessel had earlier visited India for a naval event, but government sources clarified that the ship and its crew were guests only between February 16 and February 25 during the International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam. Officials also stated that the vessel did not seek assistance from India after leaving Indian waters.
The attack on the frigate has added another layer of tension to the already volatile situation in the region.
India–Europe Cooperation Highlighted
During the press interaction, Modi also spoke about the growing partnership between India and Europe, describing the current phase as a “golden era” of cooperation.
He highlighted expanding collaboration in areas such as digital technology, infrastructure, and sustainability between India and Finland. The prime minister also noted that a new India-European Union free trade agreement would further boost trade, investment, and technological cooperation.
Modi added that at a time when conflicts persist across regions from Ukraine to West Asia, stronger cooperation between India and Europe could help contribute to global stability and development.