PM’S AUSTRIA VISIT
At the invitation of Chancellor Mr Karl Nehammer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Austria from 9-10 July 2024.
During his visit, the Prime Minister called on H.E. Alexander Van der Bellen, President of Austria, and held bilateral discussions with Chancellor Nehammer.
This was the Prime Minister’s first visit to Austria and that of an Indian Prime Minister after 41 years. This year marks the 75th year of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
THE EMPHASISED AREAS DURING THE MEETING
The Prime Minister and the Chancellor emphasised that the
- Shared values of democracy,
- Freedom,
- International peace and security,
- A rules-based international order with the UN Charter at its core,
- The shared historical linkages, and
- The long-standing ties between the two countries are at the centre of the growing enhanced partnership.
Chancellor Nehammer and Prime Minister Modi recognised that the two countries have the potential to significantly upgrade their bilateral partnership to A higher level. They agreed to adopt a strategic approach to advance this shared Objective.
AREAS OF COOPERATION
- POLITICAL & SECURITY COOPERATION:
- Both leaders underscored their commitment to democracy, international and regional peace & prosperity.
- They reinforced their commitment to a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific in accordance with the international law of the sea as Reflected in UNCLOS.
- Concerning the war in Ukraine, both leaders supported any collective effort to facilitate a peaceful resolution consistent with international law and the UN Charter.
- The two leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Both countries reiterated their commitment to work together in FATF, NMFT and other multilateral Platforms.
- Austria expressed interest in joining India- Middle East Europe Economic Corridor.
- SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP:
- The convening of the first-ever high-level bilateral Business Forum with the participation of the CEOS of several companies in Vienna.
- Recognised the vital importance of research, scientific tie-ups, technology partnerships and innovation in driving forward the bilateral partnership.
- Initiatives to link the innovation and start-up ecosystems of the two countries through the Start-Up Bridge set up during the visit of the Austrian Minister of Labour and Economy to India in February 2024.
- The leaders recognised that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.
- Noted the scope for engagement in the context of the Austrian Government’s Hydrogen Strategy and the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
- SKILL DEVELOPMENT
- Recognised the importance of skill development and mobility of skilled personnel to support an expanded engagement in high-tech sectors.
- In this regard, they welcomed the operationalisation of the bilateral Migration and Mobility Agreement, which provides an institutional framework to facilitate such exchanges, while at the same time combating irregular migration.
- They encouraged academic institutions of both countries to build future-oriented partnerships focused on areas of mutual interest, especially in science, technology, and engineering.
- PEOPLE TO PEOPLE TIES:
- The leaders also noted the growing interest among Austrians in yoga and
- They welcomed efforts to promote further bilateral cultural ties in music, dance, opera, theatre, films, literature, sports and other fields, including in the framework of the recently signed MOU on Cultural Cooperation.
- MULTILATERAL COOPERATION:
- Both leaders affirmed their support for reforms in the UN.
- Prime Minister Modi conveyed India’s invitation to Austria for its membership in the International Solar Alliance
Https://pib.gov.in/pressreleaseiframepage.aspx?prid=2032251
Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to Chancellor Nehammer to visit India at his convenience, which the Chancellor accepted with pleasure.
THE PREVIOUS VISITS
Diplomatic relations between India and Austria were established on November 10, 1949 — this year marks its 75th anniversary.
- In June 1955, about a month after Austria had gained full independence through the conclusion of the State Treaty, Nehru paid a State Visit to the country, the first by a foreign leader.
- The year after Indira’s visit in 1983, Austria’s Chancellor Fred Sinowatz Came to India on a reciprocal visit.
- President K R Narayanan went to Austria on a State Visit in November 1999; Austria’s President Dr Heinz Fischer came in February 2005, and
- President Pratibha Patil visited Austria in October 2011.
WHY AUSTRIA MATTERS?
- Austria offers tremendous opportunities for bilateral collaboration in infrastructure, renewable energy, e-commerce, fintech, enterprise tech, consumer services, and media and entertainment.
- Both countries have taken balanced positions in the Russia-Ukraine war.
- Even though Austria supported the EU’s sanctions against Russia, on April 11, 2022, Chancellor Nehammer became the first European leader to visit President Putin to discuss the end of the war.
- Austria has publicly criticised Russian actions in Ukraine, but commercial ties between the two countries remain largely intact, and it continues to import gas from russia.
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