Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described his Austria visit historic and immensely productive, which has added vigour to the two countries’ friendship. Wrapping up his visit to Austria, Mr Modi said, he is happy to attend diverse programmes in Vienna and thanked Chancellor Karl Nehammer, the Austrian government, and the people for their hospitality and affection.
After his talks with Austrian Chancellor Nehammer in Vienna, PM Modi said that India and Austria have identified new possibilities to further strengthen mutual cooperation besides deciding to give a strategic direction to their bilateral ties. In a joint statement along with the Austrian Chancellor, Mr Modi said that he also held detailed discussions on the current geopolitical situation in the world, including the conflict in Ukraine or the situation in West Asia.
The Prime Minister also said that India and Austria will work together in areas such as infrastructure development, innovation, renewable energy, hydrogen, water and waste management, artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology and a blueprint for cooperation over the coming decades has been prepared. Mr Modi also said that Austria has been invited to join the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the Biofuel Alliance.
Addressing a group of leading Austrian and Indian CEOs with Chancellor Nehammer, Prime Minister Modi called on the Austrian business stakeholders to look at the fast-unfolding opportunities in India, as the country moves to become the third-largest economy in the world over the next few years. He urged Austrian companies to leverage the Indian economic landscape for high-quality and cost-effective manufacturing under the Make in India programme both for the domestic and international market.
Prime Minister Modi also met Nobel physics laureate Anton Zeilinger and explored the possibilities around quantum technologies, along with a discussion over spirituality.
The PM also met distinguished Austrian Indologists Professor Birgit Kellner, Dr Martin Gaenszle, Dr Borayin Larios, and Dr Karin Preisendanz and discussed the rich tapestry of Indian history, philosophy, art, and culture, along with the origins of Indology in Austria.
Concluding his visit with an address to the Indian diaspora in Vienna, Mr Modi said that the world sees India with great hope and everyone across the globe wants to learn more about India. He also said that India and Austria, though geographically distant, have many similarities. Prime Minister said, democracy and shared values of liberty, equality, pluralism, and respect for the rule of law connect India and Austria.
