Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, April 16

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said military conflict cannot resolve global disputes, calling for lasting peace in Ukraine and West Asia amid what he described as a “very tense” international environment.

Speaking after talks with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in New Delhi, Modi said ongoing conflicts were affecting economies worldwide and stressed the need for stability and cooperation.

“The entire world is going through a very serious and tense situation today, and it is affecting all of us,” Modi said, adding that India and Austria share the view that military means cannot resolve disputes.

He said both sides support “stable, sustainable and lasting peace” in regions including Ukraine and West Asia, and called for reforms in global institutions and joint efforts to combat terrorism.

During the visit, India and Austria signed six agreements covering trade, defence cooperation and investment facilitation. Both sides also agreed to strengthen collaboration in sectors including semiconductors, quantum technology and biotechnology.

Separately, Modi also held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, with both leaders discussing the situation in West Asia and stressing the need to restore safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The discussions come amid continuing instability in parts of West Asia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which have disrupted global supply chains and energy markets.