PM Modi And Austrian Chancellor Agree To Strengthen Ties, Discuss Ukraine And West Asia Conflicts

India and Austria have identified “new possibilities” to further enhance mutual cooperation and have decided to provide strategic direction to their bilateral ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday.

During a joint statement with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Vienna from Moscow on Tuesday evening, mentioned that they also had extensive discussions on the current global geopolitical situation.

“Chancellor Nehammer and I have extensively discussed ongoing global disputes, including the conflict in Ukraine and the situation in West Asia. As I have previously stated, this is not the time for war,” Modi emphasized.

PM Modi highlighted that mutual trust and shared interests have bolstered India-Austria relations.

“Today, I had a very productive conversation with Chancellor Nehammer. Shared beliefs in values such as democracy and the rule of law form the strong foundation of India-Austria relations. We both strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms, agreeing that it cannot be justified under any circumstances. We also concur on the need to reform the United Nations and other international organizations to make them more contemporary and effective,” he stated.

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Earlier, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome at the Federal Chancery, marking the start of his landmark visit to Austria, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 41 years.

Marking a new chapter in bilateral relations, he was warmly received by Chancellor Nehammer, who had referred to the Indian Prime Minister’s visit as a “special honour” last week.

Chancellor Nehammer hosted PM Modi for a private engagement upon his arrival from Moscow on Tuesday evening. This first meeting between the two leaders comes as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. They discussed realizing the “full potential” of their bilateral partnership.

Prime Minister Modi thanked Chancellor Nehammer for the “warm welcome” and expressed his eagerness for the discussions on Wednesday, as both nations continue to work together for global good. In addition to holding talks with Chancellor Nehammer, PM Modi is scheduled to meet Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, address business leaders from both India and Austria, and interact with members of the Indian community in Vienna.