“Not an Era of War”: PM Modi Calls for Peace Amid Israel-Iran Conflict

1. PM Modi’s Diplomatic Message
During his official visit to Cyprus on June 16, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his longstanding diplomatic stance by stating, “This is not an era of war.” The remark came in the context of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, following Israel’s recent military strikes on Iranian facilities. Modi emphasized the importance of resolving international conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy rather than warfare. His message was directed at global powers as well as nations directly involved in the West Asia crisis, urging them to act with responsibility and restraint.

2. Reaffirming India’s Peace-First Policy
Modi’s statement aligns with India’s consistent foreign policy of non-alignment and peaceful resolution of conflicts. India has historically maintained a neutral stance in Middle Eastern affairs, carefully balancing its strategic partnerships with both Israel and Iran. By reiterating that war is not the solution, Modi reinforced India’s commitment to global peace and highlighted the growing risks of regional conflicts spilling over into wider geopolitical instability.

3. Strategic Significance of the Statement
The “not an era of war” phrase is not new it echoes Modi’s 2022 remarks to Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. By repeating it now, Modi is signaling a global principle rather than targeting any specific nation. His use of the phrase in a European setting, while West Asia faces volatility, suggests India’s intention to position itself as a responsible global leader that advocates for dialogue in an increasingly divided world.

4. International and Domestic Impact
Modi’s message has resonated internationally, drawing appreciation from countries that support diplomatic conflict resolution. Domestically, it strengthens his image as a global statesman who upholds peace amid global unrest. India’s Ministry of External Affairs also echoed his concerns, calling for restraint from all parties involved. As India looks to expand its diplomatic influence and protect its diaspora and energy interests in the Middle East, Modi’s balanced and firm messaging plays a crucial role in maintaining stability and international credibility.