PM Modi Calls For Peaceful Resolution Of Conflicts

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)

• Receives Norway's Highest Civilian Honour

• Says Pahalgam Terror Attack Delayed Norway Visit

Oslo- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called for a resolution of the West Asia crisis and the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, asserting that military action alone cannot achieve lasting peace.

Modi made the remarks after holding wide-ranging talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store that focused on boosting the overall trajectory of bilateral relations.

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“India and Norway, both, believe in a rules-based order, dialogue, and diplomacy. We agree that no issue can be resolved through military conflict alone,” Modi said in his televised statement to the media.

“Be it Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support every effort for the early end of the conflict and for peace,” he said.

Modi met Store hours after he landed in Oslo from Sweden as part of his four-nation European tour.
In his remarks, the prime minister also underlined the need for reform of the global institutions.
“We also agree on this point that reforming global institutions is essential for addressing the growing global challenges.”

“And eradicating terrorism in every form from its roots is our shared commitment,” he noted.
Modi also complimented Norway for its support to India following last year's Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

“I was supposed to visit Norway last year, but had to postpone that trip due to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. During that difficult time, Norway stood firmly with India against terrorism, demonstrating true friendship,” he said.

“Today, as I visit Norway, I express my heartfelt gratitude for that solidarity,” he said.

Modi also hailed Norway's decision to join the India-led Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

“As two major maritime nations, we will work together to strengthen cooperation in the marine economy, maritime security, and capacity building,” he said.

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Highlighting the growing India-Europe partnership, PM Modi referred to the India-European Free Trade Association pact and said it would strengthen economic cooperation between India and Norway. He said the agreement was expected to bring investments worth USD 100 billion and create one million jobs in India over the next 15 years.
The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of the India-Norway Green Strategic Partnership, saying it would benefit the global community. He said Norway was joining the Indo-Pacific initiative and both countries would work together to strengthen maritime security, marine economies and capacity building.

The Norwegian Prime Minister said both countries believed in cooperation and dialogue to address global challenges. He announced that India and Norway were signing a memorandum of understanding to expand collaboration in high-quality health services, digital health, artificial intelligence, research and health technology.

He also cautioned against the“weaponisation” of diplomacy, trade and technology and said discussions were held on key global issues, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Modi was conferred with Norway's highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, for his contribution in advancing the India-Norway relationship and his leadership.
This is Prime Minister Modi's 32nd international honour.

King Harald V of Norway conferred upon PM Modi the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit. It is awarded for exceptional service in advancing Norway's interests and international relations.

A day earlier, Modi was awarded Sweden's prestigious 'Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross,' in recognition of his exceptional contributions to bilateral ties and his visionary leadership. The award is Sweden's highest honour conferred on foreign Heads of Government.

PM Modi arrived here earlier in the day on a two-day visit from Sweden. This is Modi's maiden visit to Norway, and marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the country in 43 years.

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