Indian PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he had a fruitful discussion with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on numerous issues ranging from the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict to terrorism. Modi is currently on his maiden visit to Austria.
He arrived in Austria after completing his two-day trip to Russia. During a joint media conference, Modi said: “Today, Chancellor Nehammer and I had a very fruitful discussion.”
“We have identified new possibilities to further strengthen our mutual cooperation,” he said.
He said India and Austria have decided to give a strategic direction to the relationship between the two nations. The Indian PM said: “A blueprint for cooperation has been prepared for the coming decade.”
During their meeting, Modi said he and the Austrian leader condemned terrorism in any form.
“Terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances,” he said. “We had a discussion on the ongoing conflicts in the world including the situation in Ukraine and West Asia,” Modi said.
“I have said it before that this is not the time for war,” he said.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X: ” PM@narendramodi held extensive and fruitful talks with Austrian Chancellor @karlnehammer today.” “Discussions covered various dimensions of the bilateral partnership, including trade & investment, S&T, green energy, AI, Start-ups, environment & climate change, cultural cooperation and people to people ties. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” he said.
Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister in 41 years to visit Austria. In 1983, former PM Indira Gandhi was the last Indian PM to visit the European country.
