Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday underlined India's commitment to restoring peace in global conflict zones, stressing dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable paths. Speaking in Mumbai after delegation-level talks with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Modi highlighted India’s efforts in promoting stability across the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Ukraine.
"India and UK are natural partners. Mutual trust in values like democracy, freedom and rule of law lies in the foundation of our relations. In the current era of global instability, this growing partnership between India and UK has been an important base for global stability and economic progress," Modi said.
Discussing bilateral and regional issues, Modi noted, "In the meeting today, we discussed Indo-Pacific, peace and stability in West Asia and Ukraine conflict. On the issues of Ukraine conflict and Gaza, India supports all efforts to restore for peace through dialogue and diplomacy. In Indo-Pacific region, we are committed to enhancing maritime security cooperation."
Modi reiterated the significance of India-UK ties, observing that the partnership is now “a crucial foundation for global stability and economic progress.”
Highlighting economic collaboration, Modi announced plans to establish an Industry Guild and Supply Chain Observatory for critical minerals, with a satellite campus at ISM Dhanbad. "We have decided to establish an Industry Guild and Supply Chain Observatory for cooperation on critical minerals. Its satellite campus will be at ISM Dhanbad," he said.
Education ties also received a boost, with nine UK universities set to open campuses in India. Modi stated, "The largest and most influential delegation from the education sector so far has come with Prime Minister Starmer. It is a matter of great joy that now nine universities from the UK are going to open campuses in India. The Gurugram campus of Southampton University was recently inaugurated, and the first group of students has also taken admission."
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On Wednesday, the India-UK Business Leaders Summit was held, and Modi pointed to further engagement with the India-UK CEO Forum and the Global Fintech Festival. "The biggest business leaders' Summit between India and the UK was held yesterday. Today, we will address India-UK CEO Forum and Global Fintech Festival. With all of these suggestions and possibilities to further strengthen India-UK cooperation," he said.
Turning to recent developments in Gaza, Modi welcomed the first phase of President Donald Trump’s peace plan. "We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump's peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu. We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace," he said.
Earlier, Qatar’s Prime Minister and official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Majed Al Ansari, confirmed an agreement on all provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire. The deal includes the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
In a post on X, Ansari wrote, "The mediators announce that tonight an agreement was reached on all the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid. The details will be announced later."
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