PM Modi Visit to Austria: Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Global Cooperation
PM Modi Visit to Austria: Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Global Cooperation
Historic Visit to Austria
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Austria marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited the country in 41 years. The last visit was by Indira Gandhi in 1983. Modi arrived in Austria after concluding a two-day visit to Russia. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed him at the airport, and he was hosted by Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer for a private engagement. This visit celebrates 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Austria.
Key Meetings and Engagements
During his visit, PM Modi is set to meet Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and hold delegation-level talks with Chancellor Karl Nehammer. The discussions will focus on deepening bilateral relationships and addressing geopolitical challenges. Modi will also engage with business leaders from both India and Austria and interact with the Indian diaspora in Vienna.
Significance of the Visit
This visit is significant as it aims to broaden the scope of the partnership between India and Austria. Austria is seen as a key country in Central Europe, offering opportunities for cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy, high technology, start-ups, and media and entertainment. The visit is expected to enhance trade and joint investment projects between the two countries.
Thank you, Chancellor @karlnehammer, for the warm welcome. I look forward to our discussions tomorrow as well. Our nations will continue working together to further global good. 🇮🇳 🇦🇹 pic.twitter.com/QHDvxPt5pv
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2024
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
India and Austria have a long history of diplomatic relations, dating back to 1949. Over the years, there have been numerous exchanges of visits at various levels, highlighting the importance both countries place on strengthening their relations. The bilateral trade between the two nations stood at $2.93 billion in 2023, with India exporting electronics, textiles, apparel, footwear, and chemicals to Austria, and importing machinery, automotive parts, and chemicals from Austria.
Cultural and Economic Ties
Austria offers excellent opportunities for bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including infrastructure, renewable energy, high technology, start-ups, media, and entertainment. The visit also comes months after the India-Austria Startup Bridge was launched in February, aimed at increasing collaboration and knowledge sharing between startups in both countries.
PM Modi’s Russia Visit
Before arriving in Austria, PM Modi concluded a high-profile visit to Russia, where he attended the 22nd India-Russia annual summit with President Vladimir Putin. During his visit, India and Russia signed nine MoUs and agreements in several sectors, including trade, climate, and research. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to peace and willingness to help end the conflict in Ukraine.
Indian Diaspora’s Response
The Indian diaspora in Austria, consisting of around 31,000 individuals primarily from Kerala and Punjab, expressed happiness at PM Modi’s visit. Many see this as a significant step towards enhancing cultural and economic ties between India and Austria.
