Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India believes in the rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy, stressing that military conflict cannot resolve international disputes. His remarks came amid escalating tensions in West Asia following the deadly US-Iran conflict.

Speaking during a joint press statement with Finland President Alexander Stubb, Modi said both countries share a commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

“India and Finland believe in the rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy. Military conflict alone cannot solve any issue, whether it is Ukraine or West Asia. We are both convinced that global institutions need urgent reform,” he said.

The West Asia region has witnessed heightened tensions after a wave of missile and drone exchanges following US-Israel strikes on Iran last weekend that reportedly led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In a related development, an Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Dena, was struck by a missile off the coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday, killing several personnel on board.

Iranian authorities said the ship had earlier been a guest of India for a military exercise. However, Indian government sources clarified that the vessel and its crew were hosted only between February 16 and February 25 and had not sought any assistance from India afterward.

IRIS Dena had participated in the International Fleet Review (IFR) in Visakhapatnam during that period, while the US-Israel strikes on Iran occurred later on February 28.

Highlighting the broader global situation, Modi said the world is currently facing a period of instability and uncertainty.

“Conflicts persist in many parts of the world, from Ukraine to West Asia. In such a global environment, India and Europe, two of the world’s major diplomatic powers, are entering a golden era of their relationship,” he said.

The Prime Minister also noted that the recently signed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement would boost trade, investment, and technology collaboration.

He added that India and Finland are key partners in sectors such as digital technology, infrastructure, and sustainability, and their growing cooperation will contribute to global stability and development.