PM Narendra Modi Discusses Ukraine and Strategic Ties with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer

Vienna/New Delhi, July 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on Wednesday during his first visit to Austria, discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine and enhancing India-Austria strategic ties. At a joint press conference, PM Modi, who had just met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, emphasized that war has no place in the world. He also highlighted plans to strengthen ties with Vienna in various sectors, including infrastructure development, renewable energy, hydrogen, water and waste management, and artificial intelligence.

“I am happy that during the beginning of my third term, I got the opportunity to visit Austria. This trip is historic and special. After 41 years, an Indian PM has visited Austria. Today, a significant discussion took place between Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and me. We discussed new possibilities to strengthen our ties further. We have decided to give these ties a strategic direction in sectors like infrastructure development, renewable energy, hydrogen, water and waste management, and artificial intelligence. We aim to link each other’s capabilities,” PM Modi said.

Chancellor Nehammer acknowledged India’s unique position in the global south. “For me, it was an important signal that India, as a founding member of the BRICS, participated in the Swiss Peace Summit. Today, we discussed an even stronger commitment and the possibilities of reviving the peace process. PM Modi and I talked about India’s unique position in the global south. India is an important, influential, and credit-worthy country. As the world’s largest democracy, India’s role is crucial, especially for Austria, in peace processes and future peace summits,” he said.

Nehammer also noted that the geopolitical situation unites India and Austria. “Last night and this morning, we had very intensive talks about the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. As the Federal Chancellor of Austria, it is particularly important to understand India’s assessment and familiarize India with European concerns and worries. Additionally, the conflict in the Middle East was a major topic. Despite this challenging geopolitical situation, we also discussed the positive aspects of our cooperation,” he added.