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‘Solutions can't be found on battlefields': PM Modi urges dialogue to resolve conflicts in Europe and Asia
PM Modi on Wednesday said that whether in Europe or Asia, solutions cannot be found on the battlefield and must come through dialogue and diplomacy. read more
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that respecting the territorial integrity of nations is essential for global stability, emphasising the importance of sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Speaking alongside his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenković during his first official visit to the southeastern European nation, PM Modi emphasised that whether in Europe or Asia, solutions must emerge through dialogue, not warfare.
'We both support the fact that whether it is Europe or Asia, the problems cannot be solved on the battlefield and that the only way is through dialogue and diplomacy. Respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of any country is essential,' PM Modi said in a joint press address.
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In remarks that underscored India's position on conflict resolution, PM Modi added, 'Terrorism is an enemy of humanity and stands against the forces that believe in democracy.'
The two leaders announced the formulation of a long-term Defence Cooperation Plan, focusing on military training, exchanges, and collaboration between their defence industries. Modi noted that the economies of India and Croatia complement each other in areas such as pharma, agriculture, IT, clean tech, digital innovation, renewable energy, and semiconductors.
VIDEO | Zagreb, Croatia: In a joint press meet with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, PM Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) says, 'For long-term cooperation in the defence sector, a Defence Cooperation Plan will be made. It will focus on training and military exchange along… pic.twitter.com/nl4Agtk606 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 18, 2025
The Indian prime minister thanked the Croatian government for expressing condolences over the April 22 terror attack in India and highlighted common values binding both democracies. 'Democracy, the rule of law, pluralism, and equality are shared values that bind us,' he said.
In a moment of cultural diplomacy, Modi also referred to the popularity of yoga in Croatia, expressing confidence that the country will enthusiastically celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21.
'This is the first visit by any Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, and I am honoured to have this opportunity,' Modi said. 'India and Croatia are connected by shared values… It is a pleasant coincidence that last year, the people of India entrusted me, and the people of Croatia entrusted Prime Minister Andrej, with the opportunity to serve for the third consecutive time.'
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Croatian PM Plenković, for his part, said that PM Modi's visit reflects the strength and importance of relations between the two countries. The leaders also exchanged gifts and signed a guest book at the official residence, Banski Dvori, following a ceremonial welcome in Zagreb.
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4 minutes ago
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Europe, Iran Try Diplomacy As US Weighs In On Military Response
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The three European countries, commonly referred to as the E3, played an important role in the negotiations over the original 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. But they have repeatedly threatened to reinstate sanctions that were lifted under the deal if Iran does not improve its cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog. The meeting in Geneva could also provide the three European nations and the EU with a unique opportunity to reach out to Iran in what is going to be the first face-to-face meeting between Western officials and Tehran since the start of the conflict a week ago. It's a timely moment for Europe to test the chances for a diplomatic solution and seek Iran's positions amid escalating rhetoric between the U.S. and Iran. 'The EU will continue to contribute to all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and to find a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, which can only be through a negotiated deal,' said Anouar El Anouni, a spokesperson for the European Commission. 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10 minutes ago
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History and literature are replete with references to not 'shooting the messenger' for bringing bad news. In Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen assaults a messenger and threatens to have him 'whipped with wire and stewed in brine, smarting in ling'ring pickle', for bringing her the news that the Roman General Mark Antony has married another. 'I that do bring the news made not the match,' the messenger replies, before making a hasty exit. Over the past two months, India's 'diplomatic messengers' too have faced an ire that is unprecedented — criticised not for the message they bring, but for failing to convey effectively enough, the message New Delhi has sent out after Operation Sindoor (May 7-10, 2025). Criticism of Indian diplomacy Public commentary that is critical of the Ministry of External Affairs and its missions has focused broadly on three counts. 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Thus, it may be necessary for New Delhi to rethink how it frames its message in view of these changes, notwithstanding the global double standards inherent in the expectations from India. Democracy in decline Finally, there is need for introspection over how the Modi government's image itself has altered in the world since 2019, leading to diplomatic challenges on a number of fronts. These range from concerns abroad over laws such as the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the amendment of Article 370, Internet bans and summary arrests in different parts of the country, and accusations against Indian government agents of involvement in transnational killings in the U.S. and Canada. Questions over the broader decline in democracy and the status of minorities within India have also increased in the past few years. India's delegations abroad (Operation Sindoor) had to field some of those questions during their travels. 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Modi to inaugurate rly projects
B hubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Odisha on Thursday, will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate railway projects worth more than Rs 2,750 crore. Modi will inaugurate the 73-km-long new railway line between Sonepur and Purunakatak, a part of the 301-km-long Khurda Road-Balangir new line project. With its construction, Boudh district headquarters will be connected to the railway network for the first time. With the opening of the rail line, devotees will now have access to connecting transportation to visit the Bhairavi temple at Purunakatak. There will be direct rail connectivity for the first time through the new railway line between Sonepur and Purunakatak, which will further strengthen the social and economic connectivity of this region, said an official statement of the East Coast Railway (ECoR). Modi will lay the foundation stone of the 3rd and 4th rail lines between Sarla and Sason. This project will reduce the traffic load on the busy Jharsuguda-Sambalpur rail section and will support industrial growth. He will inaugurate the 4th rail line between Jharsuguda and Jamga, the freight train maintenance facility at Sarla, a subway in the Bamra-Dharuadihi section, the Link C-Dumetra line, and a road over bridge at Jaleswar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What She Did Mid-Air Left Passengers Speechless medalmerit Learn More Undo On this occasion, Modi will launch new rail services for the people of Odisha. The Boudh-Bhubaneswar New-Boudh Weekly Express and Sambalpur-Boudh-Sambalpur Weekly Express will connect Boudh to the state's capital for the first time. Apart from this, the Bhubaneswar-Sonepur-Bhubaneswar Inter City Express and two pairs of Balangir-Sonepur shuttle passenger trains will now originate from Purunakatak.
