PM Modi meets Austrian Chancellor, says looking forward to discussions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (local time) met Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer shortly after landing in Vienna, as part of his two-nation visit.

During this visit, the two nations will explore ways to further deepen their bilateral relationship and closer cooperation on the many geopolitical challenges.

In a post on microblogging site X, PM Modi said “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.”

Earlier in the day, PM Modi landed in Vienna and was welcomed by Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg at the airport.

It is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Austria after 41 years, the last being of Indira Gandhi in 1983.

In a post on X, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said, “As the two countries are celebrating 75th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year, this momentous visit will add renewed momentum to India-Austria ties.”

During his visit, PM Modi will call on the President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, and will also hold talks with Chancellor of Austria Karl Nehammer on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister and Chancellor will also address business leaders from India and Austria.

On Sunday, PM Modi said that the shared values of democracy, freedom and the rule of law form the bedrock upon which the two countries will build an ever-closer partnership.

PM Modi’s remark came a day after Austrian Chancellor Nehammer posted on X, “I very much look forward to welcoming Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, the world’s largest democracy, next week in Vienna.”

“This visit is a special honour as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 40 years and a significant milestone as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations with India,” he said.

“We will have the opportunity to talk about further deepening our bilateral relationship and closer cooperation on the many geopolitical challenges,” the Austrian chancellor said.

Responding to Nehammer, Modi said, “Thank you, Chancellor Karl Nehammer. It is indeed an honour to visit Austria to mark this historic occasion. I look forward to our discussions on strengthening the bonds between our nations and exploring new avenues of cooperation.”

“The shared values of democracy, freedom and rule of law form the bedrock upon which we will build an ever closer partnership,” he said.