Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a state visit to Austria, held high-level talks with Chancellor Karl Nehammer at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna on Wednesday.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and other officials attended the meeting.
Accompanied by Chancellor Nehammer, PM Modi signed the Guestbook and received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Chancellery.
In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Scripting a new chapter in bilateral relations. PM @narendramodi was warmly received by Austrian Chancellor @karlnehammer at the Federal Chancery and accorded a ceremonial welcome. This landmark visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Austria is taking place after 4 decades.”
Upon arrival in Vienna, PM Modi was welcomed by Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Indian Ambassador to Austria, Shambhu Kumaran, was also present at the airport.
Taking to X, PM Modi said, “Landed in Vienna. This visit to Austria is a special one. Our nations are connected by shared values and a commitment to a better planet. Looking forward to the various programs in Austria including talks with Chancellor @karlnehammer, interactions with the Indian community and more.”
MEA spokesperson Jaiswal noted that this was Prime Minister Modi’s first bilateral visit to Austria.
“PM @narendramodi arrives in the historic city of Vienna on his first bilateral visit to Austria. Welcomed by FM @a_schallenberg at the airport. As the two countries are celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, this momentous visit will add renewed momentum to India-Austria ties,” Jaiswal posted on X.
On Tuesday, PM Modi attended a dinner hosted by Chancellor Nehammer.
In a post on X, Chancellor Nehammar said, “Welcome to Vienna, PM @narendramodi! It is a pleasure and honor to welcome you to Austria. Austria and India are friends and partners. I look forward to our political and economic discussions during your visit!”
PM Modi’s visit to Austria follows his two-day official visit to Russia, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This is the first time in 41 years that an Indian Prime Minister is visiting Austria. Indira Gandhi was the last PM to visit Austria in 1983.
(With ANI input)