Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer engaged in comprehensive discussions on Wednesday, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between India and Austria. The meeting, held in Vienna, covered a wide range of topics crucial to both nations.
The talks, described as extensive and fruitful by Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, focused on enhancing trade and investment cooperation. Both leaders expressed commitment to boosting economic ties and explored collaborations in science and technology, green energy, artificial intelligence, and startups. Environmental issues and climate change were also key points of discussion, reflecting shared concerns over global challenges.
“Energising India-Austria ties! PM @narendramodi held extensive and fruitful talks with Austrian Chancellor @karlnehammer today. Discussions covered various dimensions of the bilateral partnership, including trade & investment, S&T, green energy, AI, startups, environment & climate change, cultural cooperation and people-to-people ties. The leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” said the MEA spokesperson in a post on X.
Chancellor Nehammer emphasized the longstanding relationship of trust between Austria and India, dating back to the 1950s. He highlighted India’s role in helping Austria during critical negotiations that led to the Austrian State Treaty in 1955.
The Austrian Chancellor said, “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 came to a positive conclusion with the Austrian State Treaty.”
The Austrian Chancellor also said that both countries share concerns over current geopolitical developments, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in the Middle East.
“We had very intensive talks about the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It is important to get to know India’s assessment and to understand and familiarise India with European concerns and worries,” the Austrian Chancellor Karl said.
“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…” he added.
The leaders exchanged also participated in the India-Austria Business Meeting, which brought together around 40 businesses from both countries to explore new economic opportunities.
The two also addressed India-Austria joint press meet, following their delegation-level talks.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Austria is significant as it marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 41 years. Indira Gandhi was the last to visit in 1983.
The trip coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Austria.
(Inputs from ANI)