PM Modi Advocates for Peaceful Solutions in Global Conflicts
Call for Peace Amid Global Tensions
PM Modi with Austria's Chancellor Christian Stocker during a meeting, in New Delhi, on Thursday. (Photo:PTI)
New Delhi, Apr 16: On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the necessity for peaceful resolutions to the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine.
His comments came after discussions with Austria's Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker. Modi remarked, "The world is currently experiencing a significant and tense situation," highlighting that the repercussions of this global tension are being felt universally.
The Prime Minister expressed that both India and Austria concur that military confrontations are not the solution to these issues. "We advocate for a stable, sustainable, and lasting peace in Ukraine and West Asia," he stated.
Additionally, Modi noted that Chancellor Stocker's visit to India is expected to invigorate trade and investment relations.
He pointed out that following the historic India-EU Free Trade Agreement, a new era in India-EU relations has commenced.
Chancellor Stocker arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for a four-day visit aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors. This marks his inaugural official trip to India.
In related news, Russia has intensified its attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine, launching hundreds of drones and missiles overnight, resulting in at least 16 fatalities and over 80 injuries, marking the largest aerial assault in nearly two weeks, according to officials on Thursday.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported that nearly 700 drones and numerous ballistic and cruise missiles were deployed, primarily targeting civilian populations.
"Such assaults cannot be normalized. These constitute war crimes that must be halted, and those responsible must be held accountable," he stated on a micro-blogging platform.
In another development, the leader of Iran's joint military command warned on Wednesday that trade in the Gulf region could be suspended if the US does not lift its blockade on Iranian ports.
Despite this, US President Donald Trump claimed in a Wednesday interview that the conflict in Iran is "very close to over."
Efforts by mediators to extend a US-Iran ceasefire have shown progress, with both parties expected to engage in further negotiations, according to regional officials.
However, a senior US official clarified that Washington has not officially agreed to prolong the ceasefire. A Pakistani delegation has also arrived in Tehran for discussions in this ongoing diplomatic effort.