NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a historic visit to Poland, reinforced his firm stance that war is not the solution to resolving conflicts. On Thursday, just hours before his scheduled departure to war-torn Ukraine on the second leg of his two-nation tour, PM Modi reiterated his long-held belief that “this is not an era of war,” calling for diplomacy and dialogue as the path to peace.
Addressing the escalating crises in West Asia and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, PM Modi expressed deep concern for the international community. During a joint press conference with Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, he emphasized India’s commitment to peaceful resolutions, stating, “The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia are a matter of deep concern for all of us. India firmly believes that no issue can be resolved on the battlefield. The loss of innocent lives has become the greatest challenge facing humanity. We support dialogue and diplomacy for the swift restoration of peace and stability. India is ready to offer its full cooperation in partnership with friendly nations.”
PM Modi is set to arrive in Ukraine on August 23, marking a historic moment as the first Indian prime minister to visit the country since the establishment of bilateral relations. This visit underscores India’s evolving role on the global stage as an advocate for peace and dialogue.
This is not the first time PM Modi has pushed for peace through diplomacy. In his earlier meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the SCO summit, held just months after the war began in February 2022, Modi sent a similar message, affirming that this era should not be defined by war.
During his address to the Indian diaspora in Poland, Modi further elaborated on India’s commitment to peace: “India is a proponent of permanent peace in this region. Our stance is clear—this is not an era of war. Now is the time to unite against the challenges that threaten humanity. That is why India advocates diplomacy and dialogue.” He also highlighted India’s tradition of empathy, rooted in the teachings of Buddha, which guides the nation’s approach to global crises.
PM Modi is expected to advocate for a peaceful resolution of the conflict when he meets with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on his historic visit. However, the visit follows concerns from Western capitals regarding Modi’s close relationship with Putin, notably after a recent high-profile meeting where the two leaders exchanged warm gestures. India has walked a diplomatic tightrope, refraining from explicitly condemning Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, while maintaining a call for peace.
