New Delhi, Mar 05: With West Asia on the brink of a wider regional war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for a “swift end” to the escalating confrontation in the region saying no issue can be resolved solely through military conflict.
Modi’s remarks following his wide-ranging talks with Finnish President Alexander Stubb came as the United States and Israel’s war with Iran entered the sixth day with both sides launching fresh strikes, significantly heightening tensions across the region.
Stubb strongly backed India’s bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council, arguing that it is of “utmost importance” along with larger reform of the global multilateral system to reflect the current geopolitical realities.
Following the Modi-Stubb talks, the two sides elevated their bilateral relations to “Strategic Partnership” in digitalisation and sustainability and vowed to double annual bilateral trade by 2030.
India and Finland also signed three agreements including one on migration and mobility that will facilitate mobility of Indian talents to the European nation.
In his media statement, Modi said the India-Finland strategic partnership in the digitalisation and sustainability will energise cooperation in many high-technology areas including AI, 6G telecom, clean energy and quantum computing.
The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in key sectors such as defence, space, semiconductors, and critical minerals.
The crisis in West Asia figured prominently in the Modi-Stubb talks.
“India and Finland both believe in the rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy. We are in agreement that no issue can be resolved solely through military conflict,” Modi said.
“Whether in Ukraine or in West Asia, we will continue to support every effort aimed at the early end of conflict and the restoration of peace,” he said.
The prime minister also made a mention of the upswing in India-Europe relations.
“Today, the world is passing through a phase of instability and uncertainty. From Ukraine to West Asia, several parts of the world continue to face situations of conflict. In such a global environment, India and Europe, two major diplomatic powers of the world, are entering a golden phase in their relationship,” he said.
“Our growing cooperation is imparting new strength to global stability, development, and shared prosperity.”
The Finnish president said both sides deliberated on the conflict in West Asia and Russia’s “war of aggression” against Ukraine.
“We agreed that ending the war is in everyone’s interests. A lasting peace can only be one that respects the principles of the United Nations,” he said.
In his remarks, Modi said the India-European Union free trade agreement will help deepen ties between New Delhi and Helsinki.
“This agreement will further strengthen trade, investment, and technology cooperation between India and Finland. India and Finland are important partners in areas such as digital technology, infrastructure, and sustainability,” he said.
The prime minister also highlighted Finnish telecom giant Nokia’s operations in India.
“Nokia’s mobile phone and telecom networks have connected millions of Indians. In collaboration with Finnish architects, we built the world’s tallest railway bridge over the Chenab river,” he said.
“Inspired by such significant examples, we are transforming India-Finland relations into a strategic partnership in digitalisation and sustainability during President Stubb’s visit,” Modi said.
“This partnership will accelerate and energize our cooperation in many high-tech areas, from AI to 6G telecom, from clean energy to quantum computing,” he said.
Modi said both sides will also deepen partnership in key sectors such as defence, space, semiconductors, and critical minerals.
“This strategic partnership between democratic and responsible countries like India and Finland will contribute to ensuring trustworthy technology and supply chains for the entire world,” he said.
“Finland is an important partner of India in the Nordic region. Together with Finland, we are also increasing cooperation in Arctic and polar research,” he said.
Modi and Stubb also reiterated their shared commitment to promoting a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific, in accordance with international law.
Both the leaders also unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms including cross-border terrorism.
“They called for decisive and concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner and in accordance with international law,” a joint statement said.
“They agreed to enhance cooperation to counter violent radicalization and extremism, combat financing of terrorism, promote internationally agreed anti-money laundering standards, prevent exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, and tackle terrorist recruitment,” it said.
