PM Modi, Austrian Chancellor Nehammer Discuss Strategic Relations And Discuss Ukraine

PM Narendra Modi's visit to Austria, the first by an Indian PM in 41 years, focused on enhancing strategic ties and discussing global issues like the Ukraine conflict. Modi emphasised cooperation in infrastructure, renewable energy, and AI, highlighting the role of dialogue in solving global challenges.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the Ukraine conflict and strategic ties with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer during his first visit to Austria.At a joint press conference, PM Modi, who had earlier met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, reiterated that war has no place in the world.

"I am happy that during the beginning of my third term itself, I got the opportunity to visit Austria. This trip of mine is historic and special. After 41 years, an Indian PM has visited Austria...today, a significant discussion took place between Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and me. We discussed new possibilities to strengthen our ties further", as reported by Hindustan Times.

"We have decided to give these ties a strategic direction...in sectors like infrastructure development, renewable energy, hydrogen, water and waste management, artificial intelligence...we work towards linking each other's capabilities," PM Modi said.

India - Austria: Strengthening Strategic Ties

PM Modi emphasised enhancing cooperation with Vienna in various sectors such as infrastructure development, renewable energy, hydrogen technology, water and waste management, and artificial intelligence. He highlighted the importance of linking each other's capabilities to foster stronger bilateral relations, as reported by Hindustan Times.

The Austrian Chancellor acknowledged India's unique position in the global south. "For me, it was an important signal that India, as a founding member of the BRICS, participated in the Swiss Peace Summit...Today, we have been talking about an even stronger commitment and about the possibilities of reviving the peace process. PM Modi and I discussed the unique position of India in the so-called global south. India is an important, influential and credit-worthy country. India is the biggest democracy in the world. Therefore, India's role, especially for Austria, is more than important when it comes to the peace process and future peace summits," he said.

PM Modi In Austria: Shared Values and Global Issues

PM Modi stated that shared beliefs in democracy and rule of law form strong foundations for India-Austria relations. He also mentioned discussing significant challenges like climate change and terrorism during his meeting with Nehammer, as per media reports.

"We discussed the biggest challenges humanity is facing right now, including climate change and terrorism. In the climate subject, we are inviting Austria to join our initiatives like international solar alliance, collision for disaster resilient infrastructure and bio-fuel alliance. We both strongly condemn terrorism. We agree that terrorism can't be justified in any way," he added.

Focus on Peace

During his meeting with Putin earlier this week, PM Modi assured that India stands with peace. He reiterated that solutions cannot be found through war or violence.

"I have told you earlier also; this is not the time for war; we won't be able to find solutions to problems in the field of war. Wherever it is, killing innocent people is unacceptable. India and Austria emphasize dialogue and diplomacy; for that, we are together ready to give any support required," he added, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Austrian Perspective on Geopolitical Situations

Nehammer expressed appreciation for India's stance on global issues like Ukraine's conflict and Middle East tensions. "Last night and this morning, we had very intensive talks about the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. For me as Federal Chancellor of Austria it is particularly important to get to know India's assessment and understand it while familiarising India with European concerns," he said.

The discussions between PM Modi and Chancellor Nehammer covered various geopolitical topics alongside positive aspects of bilateral cooperation amidst challenging situations globally, as reported by Hindustan Times. The visit marks a significant step towards strengthening Indo-Austrian relations by addressing common challenges while exploring new avenues for collaboration across multiple sectors.