Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday made a strong appeal for peace, saying military action cannot solve global disputes and urging an immediate end to ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine. Speaking after wide-ranging discussions with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Modi stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable path to stability.
In his media statement, the Prime Minister said both India and Finland firmly believe in respecting international law and resolving tensions through negotiation rather than confrontation. He underlined that whether the crisis is in Ukraine or in West Asia, India will continue supporting every effort aimed at achieving a swift and peaceful resolution.
The talks between the two leaders also focused on expanding bilateral ties. India and Finland agreed to elevate cooperation in digital innovation and sustainability to the level of a strategic partnership. From artificial intelligence and 6G telecom to clean energy and quantum computing, both countries signalled their intent to work closely in high-technology sectors. Modi also noted that progress on the India-European Union free trade agreement would strengthen economic and technological collaboration between India and Finland.
President Stubb, who began a four-day visit to India on Wednesday, is seeking to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and critical technologies, reflecting growing engagement between New Delhi and European partners.
Modi’s remarks came at a time of escalating tensions in West Asia. Iran launched fresh missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli and American bases, intensifying fears of a broader regional conflict. Air raid sirens were reported in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as Israel confirmed incoming missile strikes. Iranian state media claimed additional operations targeted US military facilities in the region.
Israel, in response, announced what it described as a large-scale operation against Iranian-linked infrastructure. Explosions were reported in multiple parts of Tehran shortly after Israeli forces confirmed their strikes. The situation has significantly raised global concerns about the possibility of a wider war.
The tensions further escalated after the United States Navy reportedly sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean earlier this week. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi condemned the incident, calling it an “atrocity at sea” and warning that Washington would face consequences. According to Iranian officials, dozens of sailors were killed in the strike.
In Iran, strong reactions also came from religious circles. Senior cleric Abdollah Javadi Amoli described the situation as a major test for the country and made inflammatory remarks against the United States and Israel, further escalating rhetoric.
As military actions and counter-actions continue in the region, global leaders are increasingly calling for restraint. India’s position, as articulated by Prime Minister Modi, emphasises diplomacy over warfare at a time when geopolitical tensions are at one of their most volatile phases in recent years.
