Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held delegation-level talks with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Vienna, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the global fight against terrorism. During a joint press statement, Modi reiterated that “this is not the time for war.”
#WATCH | Vienna: PM Modi says, " …I have told earlier also, this is not the time for war, we won't be able to find solution to problems in the Warfield. Wherever it is, killing of innocent people is unacceptable. India and Austria emphasize dialogue and diplomacy, and for that,… pic.twitter.com/GwrGL1E9PN
— ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2024
“We won’t be able to find a solution to problems in the Warfield. Wherever it is, killing of innocent people is unacceptable. India and Austria emphasize dialogue and diplomacy, and we are together ready to give any support required,” the prime minister said. This statement follows Modi’s recent discussions on the Ukraine conflict with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his Moscow visit.
Modi expressed his pleasure at visiting Austria at the start of his third term. “This trip of mine is historic and special. After 41 years, an Indian PM has visited Austria. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and I held a very meaningful discussion. We discussed new possibilities to strengthen our ties further. We have decided to give these ties a strategic direction,” he said.
Hatte ein ausgezeichnetes Treffen mit Bundeskanzler @karlnehammer. Dieser Besuch in Österreich ist etwas ganz Besonderes, denn nach mehreren Jahrzehnten besucht ein indischer Premierminister dieses wunderbare Land. Es ist auch die Zeit, in der wir das 75-jährige Bestehen der… pic.twitter.com/MhW37AFeyS
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2024
On the issue of terrorism, Modi stated, “We both strongly condemn terrorism. We agree that it is not acceptable in any form. It cannot be justified in any way.” Nehammer, standing alongside Modi, emphasized the strong 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. What unites India and Austria is concern over the development of the geopolitical situation,” he said.
Nehammer also highlighted the significance of their talks on the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. “For me, as the Federal Chancellor of Austria, it is particularly important to get to know India’s assessment, understand it, and familiarize India with European concerns and worries. 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.
Earlier today, Modi received a ceremonial reception at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna during his historic visit. “Scripting a new chapter in bilateral relations. PM @narendramodi warmly received by Austrian Chancellor @karlnehammer at the Federal Chancellery and accorded a ceremonial welcome. This landmark visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Austria is taking place after four decades,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.
Modi arrived in Vienna on Tuesday evening from Moscow for a two-day visit, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Austria in over 40 years. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed Modi at the airport. Ahead of his official meeting with Nehammer, Modi emphasized the strength of the India-Austria friendship, stating it would grow even stronger in the future.
“An important milestone in India-Austria partnership! PM @narendramodi hosted by Austrian Chancellor @karlnehammer for a private engagement. This is the first meeting between the two leaders. Discussions on realizing the full potential of the bilateral partnership lie ahead,” Jaiswal said in a post on X, accompanied by photographs of Modi and Nehammer together in Vienna.
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