Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday that conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine are affecting the entire world, describing the current global environment as “serious and tense” after talks with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in New Delhi.

“Today, the entire world is passing through a very serious and tense situation, and its impact is being felt by all of us,” Modi said in press remarks following the meeting.

Modi said that in such a “tense global environment”, India and Austria agree that military conflict cannot resolve disputes.

“Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, we support a stable, sustainable, and lasting peace,” he said.

Modi's comments came amid the regional tensions following the US-Israeli offensive on Iran that has killed more than 3,300 people since Feb. 28. A two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was announced April 8.

The Indian prime minister also said on the US social media company X that he held “very productive discussions” with Stocker.

“Our talks today covered ways to deepen cooperation in areas such as innovation, infrastructure and sustainability. We are committed to adding new energy in trade and investment linkages,” he said, adding sectors including defense and semiconductors present “immense potential for closer relations.”

India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said 15 cooperation outcomes were concluded after the talks, covering areas including defense, technology, trade, innovation, skills development and counter-terrorism (AA)

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