Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that military conflicts cannot resolve global crises. He stressed the need for “stable, sustainable and lasting peace,” especially in regions like Ukraine and West Asia.
He made these remarks during a joint press conference with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in New Delhi.
Military Solutions Not the Answer
PM Modi highlighted that the world is going through a difficult phase. He said rising tensions and conflicts are affecting all nations and require collective global action.
“Today, the world is facing a serious and tense situation, and this issue concerns all of us. In such a condition, India and Austria agree that military confrontations will not lead to a solution. Whether it’s Ukraine or West Asia, we support stable, sustainable, and lasting peace. We also agree that reform of global institutions is essential to solve growing global challenges, and eliminating terrorism is our shared commitment,” the Prime Minister said.
Addressing the joint press meet with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker.@_CStocker https://t.co/p3HZhwjbjz
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 16, 2026
Push for Global Reforms and Unity
Modi also stressed the importance of reforming global institutions. He said such reforms are necessary to deal with modern challenges more effectively.
He reiterated that fighting terrorism remains a shared goal for countries around the world. According to him, global cooperation is essential to ensure peace and stability.
Austria Visit Marks Key Diplomatic Moment
Welcoming Chancellor Stocker, Modi pointed out that India is the first destination outside Europe on his current tour. He said this reflects Austria’s strong intent to deepen ties with India.
The Prime Minister described the visit as historic. It is the first time in nearly 40 years that an Austrian Chancellor has visited India.
New Phase in India-Europe Relations
Modi said recent progress in India’s relations with the European Union has created fresh opportunities for engagement.
“We are pleased that India is your first destination outside Europe. This reflects your strong commitment to strengthening India-Austria relations. The Austrian Chancellor’s visit after four decades is highly significant. A new chapter has begun in India-EU relations,” PM Modi said.
Focus on Future Cooperation
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the visit would strengthen ties between India and Austria. He said both countries are ready to expand cooperation across various sectors.
Chancellor Stocker is on a four-day official visit to India. This is his first trip to the country and also his first official visit to Asia since taking office in 2025.