India plays a crucial role in the Russia-Ukraine peace process, stated Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on Wednesday, proposing Austria as a neutral location for dialogue.
These comments were made during a joint press statement with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their official discussions.
Chancellor Nehammer mentioned that he and Modi deliberated on the Ukraine situation. Modi’s visit followed extensive discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
“We engaged in in-depth conversations regarding the Russian incursion into Ukraine. As the Federal Chancellor of Austria, comprehending India’s perspective and acquainting India with European apprehensions is of utmost significance to me,” he said.
He also noted that the Middle East conflict was another significant subject of their talks.
“Our collective aim is to secure a comprehensive, fair, and lasting peace in accordance with the UN Charter,” he declared.
Nehammer highlighted the importance of India’s role as a founding member of the BRICS organization at the Swiss peace summit in June concerning Russia-Ukraine, signalling a noteworthy commitment.
“And today, we’ve been talking about an even stronger commitment and the possibilities of reviving the peace process. Prime Minister Modi and myself discussed the unique position of India in the so-called Global South. India is an important, influential and credit-worthy country. India is the biggest democracy in the world. And therefore, India’s role, especially for Austria, is more than important when it comes to the peace process and future peace summits,” he explained.
Nehammer affirmed Austria is willing to act as a bridge towards peace and is ready to serve as a venue for dialogue, leveraging its unique status as a neutral EU member nation, but not as part of NATO.
