Modi vows to support end to war in Mideast, Ukraine

OSLO: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday vowed to work with Nordic allies to end conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and defend the “rules-based global order”.

Speaking at a summit in Oslo, Modi – a close ally of US President Donald Trump – said his and the Nordic leaders’ commitment to democracy and multilateralism made them “natural partners”.

Trump has spoken of efforts to end the wars but has also sown uneasiness among European allies by challenging pillars of the post-war order, notably the NATO military alliance.

He sparked uproar by threatening to take over Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory.

Denmark joined in the India-Nordic summit hosted by Norway, which also brought together the leaders from Sweden, Finland and Iceland.

“In these times of global tensions and conflict, India and Nordic countries will together continue to focus on a rules-based global order,” Modi told reporters.

“Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia (Middle East), we will continue to support an early end to the conflict and efforts for peace.”

Standing alongside him, Denmark’s outgoing prime minister Mette Frederiksen warned the “rules-based world order” was under pressure.

“Unfortunately the old world order is changing rapidly and it’s not going in the right direction,” she said.

Economic ties between India and the Nordic countries have been strengthening, notably in technology exchanges.

India, the world’s most populous country, represents a big market and one hungry for investment.

Bilateral trade has nearly quadrupled over the past decade, Modi said.

“In today’s world … people need a sense of hope that unlike countries in some aspects can come together” in dialogue and trade, said Iceland’s Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir.

Modi also announced a “green strategic partnership” with the Nordic countries, following a similar agreement announced with Norway a day earlier.

Modi is set to conclude his tour with a visit to Italy, where he will meet with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday.