Vienna: During his visit to Austria, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the trip as “historic” and “immensely productive,” saying it has injected new energy into the friendship between the two countries.
Concluding his visit to Austria, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 41 years, PM Modi expressed his happiness at participating in a variety of programs in Vienna. He extended his gratitude to Chancellor Karl Nehammer, the Austrian government, and the people for their warm hospitality.
PM Modi, who arrived in Vienna from Moscow on Tuesday evening, was ceremonially welcomed at the Federal Chancery on Wednesday morning, and warmly received by Chancellor Nehammer. The Chancellor had earlier referred to the Indian Prime Minister’s visit as a “special honour,” coinciding with the 75-year mark of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
After discussions, PM Modi declared that India and Austria have identified new opportunities to enhance cooperation and have set a strategic direction for their bilateral ties. He also mentioned that he and the Austrian Chancellor had engaged in detailed conversations about the current geopolitical situation, including the conflict in Ukraine and the situation in West Asia.
PM Modi emphasized that mutual trust and shared interests have strengthened India-Austria relations. He stated that the two countries will collaborate in areas such as infrastructure development, renewable energy, hydrogen, water and waste management, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum technology. The PM also highlighted plans for increased cooperation in the coming decades, including accelerating the startup bridge to connect the youth and ideas of both countries.
Addressing a group of leading Austrian and Indian CEOs from various sectors, PM Modi urged Austrian businesses to explore the opportunities in India, emphasizing India’s potential as the world’s third-largest economy shortly. He also stressed the potential for high-quality and cost-effective manufacturing under the Make in India initiative, inviting Austrian majors to leverage the Indian economic landscape and invest in India.
During his visit, PM Modi also met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Van der Bellen expressed the need for India’s partnership in achieving climate neutrality, saying that both countries could collaborate in addressing climate change and other areas.
The PM also met Nobel physics laureate Anton Zeilinger to explore possibilities around quantum technologies and engaged in discussions about spirituality. After the meeting, Zeilinger described PM Modi as a very spiritual person.
In a meeting with distinguished Austrian Indologists, PM Modi discussed India’s rich history, philosophy, art, and culture, as well as the origins of Indology in Austria.
Addressing the Indian diaspora in Vienna, PM Modi highlighted the global interest in India and emphasized the similarities between India and Austria, particularly in shared values of democracy, liberty, equality, and respect for the rule of law.
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