Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Austria on Tuesday following a productive two-day visit to Russia, during which both nations discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as energy, trade, manufacturing, and fertilisers. In Austria, PM Modi will meet President Alexander Van der Bellen and hold talks with Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Additionally, Modi and Nehammer will address business leaders from both India and Austria.
The visit to Russia marked the 22nd India-Russia annual summit, a significant event especially since it was Modi's first trip to Moscow since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict. During his visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted a private dinner for Prime Minister Modi at his residence on the outskirts of Moscow. The discussions also touched upon the ongoing Ukraine conflict, a crucial issue in current global geopolitics.
Notably, Prime Minister Modi's Austria tour marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 41 years, the last being Indira Gandhi in 1983.
In a departure statement, PM Modi highlighted the shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law that form the foundation for building a closer partnership between India and Austria. "In Austria, I will have the opportunity to meet President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Austria is our steadfast and reliable partner, and we share the ideals of democracy and pluralism. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister in over 40 years. I look forward to my discussions to take our partnership to even greater heights in new and emerging areas of innovation, technology, and sustainable development among others," he stated.
"Together with the Austrian Chancellor, I look forward to exchanging views with business leaders from both sides to explore mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities. I will also be interacting with the Indian community in Austria, who is well regarded for their professionalism and conduct," he added.
He remarked, "I look forward to our discussions on strengthening the bonds between our nations and exploring new avenues of cooperation."
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer Calls PM Modi's Visit A 'Special Honour'
Upon the announcement of the visit, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer called the visit a special honour. He posted on X, "I very much look forward to welcoming Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, the world's largest democracy, next week in Vienna. This visit is a special honour as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 40 years and a significant milestone as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations with India. We will have the opportunity to talk about further deepening our bilateral relationship and closer cooperation on the many geopolitical challenges."
"Thank you, Chancellor Karl Nehammer. It is indeed an honour to visit Austria to mark this historic occasion. I look forward to our discussions on strengthening the bonds between our nations and exploring new avenues of cooperation. The shared values of democracy, freedom and rule of law form the bedrock upon which we will build an ever closer partnership," PM Modi said in response.