Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday stressed the need for resolving the conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, saying military action alone cannot ensure lasting peace.
Modi made the remarks after holding wide-ranging bilateral talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Oslo during his ongoing four-nation European tour.
In a televised media statement following the meeting, Modi said both India and Norway believe in a rules-based international order and support diplomacy as the path to peace.
“We agree that no issue can be resolved through military conflict alone. Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support every effort aimed at an early end to the conflicts and the restoration of peace,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi also underlined the importance of reforming global institutions to effectively address growing international challenges. He said India and Norway shared a common commitment to combating terrorism in all forms.
The Prime Minister thanked Norway for standing with India following last year’s Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.
“I was scheduled to visit Norway last year, but the visit had to be postponed after the Pahalgam terror attack. Norway stood firmly with India during that difficult period, reflecting true friendship,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister also welcomed Norway’s decision to join the India-led Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and said the two countries would strengthen cooperation in areas including marine economy, maritime security and capacity building.
