Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday emphasized the importance of “dialogue and diplomacy” in resolving global conflicts, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“I have said earlier also that this is not the time for war,” PM Modi said during the India-Austria joint press statement.

His remarks followed delegation-level talks with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna.

“We won’t be able to find a solution to problems on the battlefield. Killing innocent people is unacceptable, wherever it happens. India and Austria emphasize dialogue and diplomacy, and we are ready to provide any support required,” PM Modi said.

Austrian Chancellor Nehammer echoed PM Modi’s sentiments, highlighting the strong relationship between Austria and India.

“There is a very good relationship between India and Austria. It’s a relationship of trust which began in the 1950s… India helped Austria, and in 1955, the negotiations concluded positively with the Austrian State Treaty. What unites India and Austria is concern over the development of the geopolitical situation,” he said.

“Last night and this morning, we had very intensive talks about the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. As the Federal Chancellor of Austria, it is particularly important for me to understand India’s assessment and familiarize India with European concerns and worries. Moreover, the conflict in the Middle East was a major topic, and in addition to this challenging geopolitical situation, we also referred to the positive aspects of our cooperation.”

The issue of the killing of children during conflicts featured prominently in PM Modi’s bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.

PM Modi told Putin that the death of innocent children was painful and terrifying, a day after a lethal strike on a children’s hospital in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.

(With input from agencies)