'Not an era of war': Modi amid Israel-Iran conflict

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said conflicts like the Israel-Iran hostilities underline the urgent need for global restraint, stressing that "this is not an era of war."

- JAYANTH JACOB @ New Delhi

His comments, made during a joint press appearance with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides amid renewed geopolitical turbulence in West Asia, were coupled with a pointed reaffirmation of India's support for Cyprus's territorial integrity, widely seen as a diplomatic signal to Turkey.

"We both expressed concern over the conflicts going on in West Asia and Europe. Their negative impact is not just limited to those regions," Modi said. "We both consider that this is not an era of war. Resolution through dialogue and restoration of stability is the call of humanity." The remarks gain significance against the backdrop of escalating violence between Israel and Iran, which has drawn international alarm, and India's own diplomatic efforts to evacuate its nationals from the region while calling for de-escalation.

Modi also pivoted to issues closer to Cyprus - and Turkey.