PM Modi arrives in Austria after successful Russia visit

New Delhi, July 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Vienna, Austria, late last night following a successful trip to Russia. This marks his first bilateral visit to the country. He was welcomed at the airport by Austria’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.

In a message on X, Foreign Minister Schallenberg said, "A warm welcome to Indian PM @narendramodi on his historic visit to Austria marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. The partnership between our nations is based on a joint commitment to global security, stability, and prosperity."

The MEA spokesperson also tweeted about the visit: "PM Narendra Modi arrives in the historic city of Vienna on his first bilateral visit to Austria. Welcome by Foreign Minister @a_schallenberg at the airport. As the two countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, this momentous visit will add renewed momentum to India-Austria ties."

During his visit, despite a heavy day in Russia, Prime Minister Modi had a private engagement with the Chancellor of the Republic of Austria, Karl Nehammer late evening yesterday. Following their meeting, PM Modi tweeted, "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."

Chancellor Nehammer also tweeted, "Welcome to Vienna, PM @narendramodi! It is a pleasure and honour to welcome you to Austria. Austria and India are friends and partners. I look forward to our political and economic discussions during your visit."

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the MEA, highlighted the significance of the visit, stating, "An important milestone in India-Austria partnership. PM @narendramodi hosted by Austrian Chancellor @karlnehammer for a private engagement. This is the first meeting between the two leaders. Discussions and realizing full potential partnership lie ahead."

Diplomatic relations between India and Austria were established on November 10, 1949. Austria has been a steadfast and reliable partner for India, with bilateral relations that are wide-ranging, multi-dimensional, and mutually beneficial. The shared commitment to democracy and pluralism has reinforced their close ties. This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Austria.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will receive a ceremonial welcome, meet President Alexander Van der Bellen, and hold talks with Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Both leaders will address key business leaders from both countries.

The DG of IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, will also meet the Prime Minister. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi will interact with the Indian diaspora in Austria, which includes approximately 31,000 Indians, primarily from Kerala and Punjab.

The diaspora mainly consists of professionals in the healthcare sector and multilateral UN bodies, as well as businesspeople and self-employed individuals. The community is roughly evenly divided between NRIs and PIOs.

Over 450 Indian students are pursuing higher education in Austria, with numbers expected to rise.

President K.R. Narayanan's visit to Austria in November 1999 was the first state visit from India, reciprocated by Austrian President Dr Heinz Fischer in February 2005.

The last Indian Prime Ministerial visit was by Indira Gandhi in June 1983, followed by Austrian Chancellor Fred Sinowatz's visit in 1984. President Pratibha Devisingh Patil visited Austria in October 2011. In June 2017, Prime Minister Modi met Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern at the SPIEF in St. Petersburg. He also had telephonic conversations with President Alexander Van der Bellen in May 2020 and met Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg in October 2021 at COP-26 in Glasgow.

Bilateral trade has shown consistent growth, with trade volume reaching USD 2.93 billion in FY 2023-24. Indian exports to Austria amounted to USD 1.52 billion, while imports were USD 1.41 billion.

The 16th session of the Joint Economic Cooperation was held in June 2023. Indian investments in Austria exceed USD 1 billion, while Austrian investments in India are over USD 800 million. Notable Indian companies in Austria include Wipro Technologies and Shilpa Medicare. Austrian companies in India include Plassner & Theurer and Andritz.