PM Modi Advocates for Peace Amid Rising Tensions in West Asia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for an end to military conflicts, emphasizing the need for peace in West Asia amid escalating tensions following recent strikes by the US and Israel on Iran. His remarks come after a series of violent events, including the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader and retaliatory strikes by Tehran. Modi's statements highlight the urgency for reforms in global institutions to address rising challenges. As the situation unfolds, political leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have criticized the government's response, urging a clearer stance on international law and human rights. This article delves into the implications of these developments and Modi's diplomatic efforts in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 5, 2026, 17:03 IST

Modi's Call for Peace

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that military confrontations are not the solution to global crises, as tensions in West Asia heightened following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, which prompted a response from Tehran.

These comments were made during a joint press briefing in New Delhi alongside Finland’s President Alexander Stubb after their bilateral discussions.

This marked Modi's first public address regarding the conflict that erupted six days prior.

“Military conflicts cannot resolve every issue,” Modi stated. “Whether it’s Ukraine or West Asia, we seek an end to hostilities and the establishment of peace as soon as possible.”

He further noted that “the increasing global challenges necessitate urgent reforms in international institutions.”

The West Asia conflict ignited on Saturday when Israel and the US initiated a joint operation against the Iranian regime, claiming its actions posed an “existential threat to Israel.” Israel has asserted that Iran is “closer than ever” to acquiring a nuclear weapon, which could disrupt the regional security equilibrium.

Iran has consistently argued that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.

The situation intensified following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday, who had been in control of all government branches and the military since 1989.

In retaliation, Tehran launched strikes against Israeli and US military installations in the region, targeting major cities in neighboring Gulf nations and several vessels.

While Modi's remarks on Thursday were his first public comments on the crisis, he had previously discussed the situation with regional leaders earlier in the week.

On Sunday, Modi expressed condolences for the casualties in the United Arab Emirates during a conversation with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, thanking him for his support of the Indian community in the UAE. Modi reiterated his commitment to de-escalation, regional peace, security, and stability.

On Monday, Modi communicated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the West Asia situation, stressing the importance of an “early cessation of hostilities.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the Indian government's silence on the conflict, urging Modi to “speak up.”

“India must be morally clear,” Gandhi stated in a social media post. “We should have the courage to advocate for international law and human lives. Our foreign policy is based on sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution, and it must remain consistent.”

He added, “Silence now diminishes India’s standing in the world.”

On Thursday, Gandhi again criticized Modi, claiming that India’s “compromised PM” had “surrendered” its strategic autonomy.

“The conflict has reached our backyard, with an Iranian warship sunk in the Indian Ocean,” Gandhi remarked on social media. “Yet the prime minister has said nothing.”

On Tuesday, a US submarine sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka, resulting in at least 87 fatalities and 61 individuals reported missing, according to unnamed Sri Lankan defense and police officials.

New Delhi has yet to issue a statement regarding this incident.

Former Indian military officials, diplomats, and analysts have labeled the US's sinking of the Iranian warship off the Sri Lankan coast as a “strategic embarrassment” for the Indian government and a significant blow to its regional credibility.