Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called for peace and stability in Ukraine and West Asia during the India-Nordic Summit held in Copenhagen. Addressing the summit, Modi stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts and urged the international community to work collectively towards global peace.
Key Highlights of the Summit
The summit, which brought together leaders from India and five Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—focused on a range of issues including climate change, sustainable development, and regional security. Modi's remarks on Ukraine and West Asia were particularly significant given the ongoing conflicts in these regions.
Ukraine Conflict
Modi reiterated India's consistent position on the Ukraine conflict, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic negotiations. He emphasized that the suffering of civilians must end and that all parties should work towards a peaceful resolution. India has maintained a neutral stance in the UN votes on Ukraine but has called for respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty.
West Asia Situation
Regarding West Asia, Modi highlighted the need for stability in the region, which is crucial for global energy security and economic growth. He called for renewed efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a two-state solution and urged restraint from all sides to avoid further escalation.
India-Nordic Cooperation
Beyond geopolitical issues, the summit explored avenues for enhanced cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, digitalization, and innovation. Modi invited Nordic companies to invest in India's growing economy, particularly in the green energy sector. The leaders also discussed the Indo-Pacific region and agreed on the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on rules and norms.
Climate Change Commitments
On climate change, Modi reiterated India's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and highlighted the country's progress in renewable energy capacity. The Nordic countries praised India's efforts and pledged to support its climate goals through technology transfer and joint research.
The summit concluded with the adoption of a joint statement that reaffirmed the commitment of India and Nordic countries to multilateralism, sustainable development, and global peace. The leaders agreed to hold the next summit in India in 2025.
