‘Not The Era Of War’: PM Modi Reiterates Peace Call, Urges Dialogue Amid Israel-Iran Crisis

Last Updated:June 16, 2025, 15:08 IST

PM Modi, who is on a tour to Cyprus, coined the phrase "Not The Era Of War" months after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022

PM Modi (Photo: YouTube/ Narendra Modi)

Expressing concerns over heightened tensions in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called for dialogue between Israel and Iran and said a solution through dialogue and restoration of stability is the call of humanity.

PM Modi, who is on a tour to Cyprus, coined the phrase “Not The Era Of War" months after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

“We expressed worry over the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe. Their (conflicts) negative impact is not just limited to that region. We believe this is not an era of war. Solution through dialogue and restoration of stability is the call of humanity," the PM said.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi held delegation-level talks with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to discuss a range of issues to boost the bilateral ties. This is the first visit of an Indian prime minister to Cyprus in over two decades.

PM Modi In Cyprus

Modi is in Cyprus on the first leg of his three-nation tour. From Cyprus, he will travel to Canada to attend the G7 summit, and then to Croatia.

The Prime Minister was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III of Cyprus, the country’s highest civilian honour.

“Humbled to receive the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’ of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations," the prime minister said after receiving the award.

The Order of Makarios III is the senior order of knighthood awarded by the country named after the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III.

Dedicating the award to the 1.4 billion people of India, Modi said it was an award to the trusted India-Cyprus friendship.

“I am confident that in the time to come, our active partnership will touch new heights. Together, we will not only strengthen the progress of our two nations but also contribute towards building a peaceful and secure world," the prime minister said.

Israel-Iran Tensions

Israel’s surprise assault on Iran last week, the most intense escalation in their decades-long hostility marked by proxy battles and covert strikes, has ignited fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

Israel claims its strikes have targeted military and nuclear sites, killing senior Iranian commanders and atomic scientists. However, a senior U.S. official revealed that President Donald Trump had intervened, urging Israel to abandon a plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

According to Iran’s health ministry, at least 224 people have been killed and over 1,200 injured in Israeli attacks since Friday.

In retaliation, Iran launched multiple missile barrages on Israel, killing at least 24 people, including children, and raising the overall toll to 248 dead and around 1,580 injured on both sides.

Indians Asked To Maintain Contact With Embassy

Indian embassies in both Israel and Iran have issued advisories in the view of current situation.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Israel said, “The Embassy of India in Tel Aviv is in touch with members of the Indian community in Israel, including caregivers, workers, students, businessmen and tourist groups. All necessary measures are being taken to ensure their safety and well-being."

In an advisory, the Indian Embassy in Iran asked all Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin to remain vigilant, avoid all unnecessary movements, follow the embassy’s social media accounts and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities. The embassy provided a Google form on its X account and asked the Indian citizens to fill it out to provide their details.

It also provided a Telegram Link and asked the Indian citizen to join it to receive updates on the situation from the mission.

Cyprus

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