During his visit to Austria, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s central topic of discussion with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, green energy, and climate change other than maintaining global peace in reference to Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Both leaders identified new opportunities to strengthen their partnership and decided to give strategic direction to bilateral ties. “We are committed to providing every possible cooperation to achieve peace and stability,” remarked PM Modi.
Chancellor Nehammer pointed out the significant discussions about global conflicts and stressed Austria’s readiness to act as a neutral site for dialogue. “It was particularly important for me to hear about the Prime Minister’s personal assessment regarding global peace processes,” Nehammer stated.
PM Modi extended invitations for Austria to join Bharat’s initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and Bio fuel Alliance. He asserted, “We both strongly condemn terrorism. We agree that it is unacceptable in any form and cannot be justified in any way.”
A notable agreement between the two countries is the 2023 mobility and migration agreement, which facilitates legal migration and the movement of skilled workers. With current bilateral trade valued at 2.7 billion euros, Nehammer highlighted the potential for economic growth, noting that over 150 Austrian businesses are already operating in Bharat, with more expected to follow.
Nehammer also recalled Bharat’s pivotal role in the negotiations leading to the Austrian State Treaty in 1955, which granted Austria independence and established its neutrality. “Bharat helped Austria and in 1955, the negotiations came to a positive conclusion with the Austrian State Treaty,” he said.
Following their talks, Nehammer and Modi jointly addressed CEOs from both nations at a business roundtable in Hofburg Palace, highlighting opportunities for collaboration in infrastructure, renewable energy, new technologies, fintech, and start-ups. PM Modi invited Austrian companies to invest in Bharat.
On his arrival in Vienna, PM Modi was received by Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and later met with President Alexander Van der Bellen and other leading Austrian figures.
