The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, termed his recent visit to Austria "historic" and "highly productive," in view of the fact that it had just given a fillip to bilateral friendship.
As he was bringing his trip to a close—the first by an Indian PM in 41 years, PM Modi shared his satisfaction with the different programs in Vienna. He extended thanks to Chancellor Karl Nehammer, the Austrian government, and its people for their warm hospitality.
Arriving from Moscow on Tuesday evening, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome at the Federal Chancery on Wednesday morning. He seemed to be warmly welcomed by Chancellor Nehammer. Nehammer termed the visit amid the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Austria and India, earlier, in special honor.
Following the talks, PM Modi pointed at the new opportunities to further mutual cooperation between India and Austria. A joint statement with Chancellor Nehammer underlined strategic direction towards addressing global geopolitical issues like Ukraine and West Asia.
Such relations, founded upon mutual trust and shared interests, PM Modi called upon to strengthen the relations between India and Austria. A program of cooperation in infrastructure, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and a blueprint for long-term collaboration were agreed upon by both nations.
He also announced other initiatives, such as accelerating the startup bridge, enhancing mobility partnerships, and promoting cultural and educational exchanges. invitations extended to Austria to join international initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
In a meeting with Austrian and Indian CEOs, Chancellor Nehammer and PM Modi called upon Austrian businesses to take advantage of opportunities in India. He said that India represents the world's third-biggest economy, added to the fact that under the Make in India initiative, the country already emerged as a manufacturing and global supply chain hub.
PM Modi called on the President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, and discussed bilateral cooperation in achieving climate neutrality. Van der Bellen expressed his appreciation for the role India has played in climate action and mentioned various areas of possible cooperation.
PM Modi interacted with Nobel laureate Anton Zeilinger on quantum technologies and spirituality. The Austrian Indologists were also called on, wherein India's rich cultural heritage and history of Indology in Austria was discussed.
He concluded the speech with an appeal to the Indian community living in Vienna, where PM Modi spoke of India's position globally. He further said that India and Austria share democratic values like liberty, equality, pluralism, and respect for the rule of law.
"Our societies celebrate diversity, mirrored in their electoral processes," PM Modi added, amid thunderous applause.
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