New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for an early end to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, emphasising that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable path to peace.
Speaking during a joint press statement with visiting President of Finland Alexander Stubb in New Delhi, Modi said military confrontation alone cannot resolve global disputes. “Whether in Ukraine or West Asia, we support all efforts aimed at ending conflicts quickly and restoring peace,” he said.
Highligthing that India and Finland share similar views on global stability and the need for diplomatic engagement, Modi said both the countries “believe in the rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy” and we agree that “military conflict alone cannot resolve any issue”. He further added that India and Finland “will continue to support all efforts for an early end to conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia and back every initiative aimed at restoring peace”.
The Prime Minister welcomed President Stubb on his first visit to India since assuming office and noted that his presence as the chief guest at the Raisina Dialogue was a matter of honour for India. Modi said the world is currently witnessing a period of instability and uncertainty, but deeper cooperation between India and Europe can contribute to global stability and shared prosperity.
On bilateral ties, Modi said India and Finland have decided to elevate their cooperation into a strategic partnership focused on digitalisation and sustainability. The partnership will expand collaboration in advanced sectors such as artificial intelligence, 6G telecommunications, clean energy and quantum computing.
He also pointed to existing cooperation between the two countries, noting that Nokia’s telecom networks have connected millions of Indians, Finnish architects contributed to the construction of the Chenab railway bridge, and Finland has partnered with India in establishing a bamboo-to-bioethanol refinery at Numaligarh.
In his press statement, the Prime Minister also said the two sides have also signed a comprehensive migration and mobility agreement to strengthen talent movement and innovation linkages. Finland, he noted, is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for Indian students and professionals.
Both countries will also deepen cooperation in education through teacher training programmes, school partnerships and joint research initiatives. Modi added that Finland remains an important partner for India in the Nordic region, with collaboration expanding into areas such as Arctic and polar research.
