NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (5 March) issued his first public response to the escalating conflict in West Asia, stating that military confrontations cannot resolve global disputes and emphasising the need for dialogue and diplomacy. Speaking at a joint press conference with Alexander Stubb, President of Finland, Modi said the world is currently witnessing a “period of instability and uncertainty,” with conflicts continuing from Ukraine to West Asia.

Highlighting India’s diplomatic outreach, the Prime Minister noted that he had spoken with several West Asian leaders within 48 hours following the joint strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran. He stressed that global challenges must be addressed through dialogue and adherence to the rule of law rather than military escalation.

Modi also underscored the growing strategic partnership between India and Europe. Referring to the recently signed European Union-India Free Trade Agreement, he said the pact would boost trade, investment and technology cooperation, including between India and Finland. The Prime Minister added that collaboration in areas such as digital technology, infrastructure and sustainability would further strengthen global stability and shared prosperity.

In his diplomatic outreach, Modi held telephone conversations with leaders across the Gulf region, including UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Jordan’s King Abdullah II of Jordan, Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Kuwait Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

During these discussions, he emphasised the safety and well-being of nearly nine million Indians living in the region and called for an early cessation of hostilities. Modi also condemned violations of sovereignty and reiterated the importance of diplomacy in resolving the crisis.