PM Modi, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer assert need for dialogue to resolve global conflicts

New Delhi, July 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Karl Nehammer held an extensive discussion addressing global conflicts such as the Ukraine war and the situation in West Asia.

The Prime Minister was speaking at a Joint Press Conference with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated his stance that "this is not the time for war," emphasising that conflicts cannot be resolved on the battlefield and that the loss of innocent lives is unacceptable. Both leaders underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in restoring peace and stability and expressed their readiness to offer all possible cooperation toward this goal.

The leaders also exchanged views on pressing global challenges like climate change and terrorism. Prime Minister Modi invited Austria to join India's initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the Biofuel Alliance.

Both nations strongly condemned terrorism in all forms, asserting that it is unjustifiable. They also agreed on the need to reform the United Nations and other international institutions to make them more contemporary and effective.

Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality extended by Chancellor Nehammer, noting that this visit, his first to Austria at the start of his third term, is both historic and special. This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Austria in 41 years and coincides with the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries.

"Shared beliefs in democracy and the rule of law form the strong foundation of our relations," Modi said. He highlighted the mutual trust and shared interests that underpin the relationship, which has identified new avenues for strengthening cooperation.

The leaders have decided to give strategic direction to their relations and have prepared a blueprint of cooperation for the coming decade. This plan extends beyond economic cooperation and investment to include infrastructure development, innovation, renewable energy, hydrogen, water and waste management, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies.

They also aim to accelerate the Start-up Bridge to connect the youth and ideas of both countries. An agreement on mobility and migration partnership has been reached, facilitating legal migration and the movement of skilled workers. Cultural and educational exchanges will also be promoted.

Prime Minister Modi remarked on the historic significance of the venue, noting that the Vienna Congress of the nineteenth century, which directed peace and stability in Europe, was hosted in the same hall. As Austria prepares for its upcoming elections, Prime Minister Modi extended his best wishes on behalf of the people of India, the world's largest democracy.

The visit includes meetings with CEOs from both countries and an audience with the President of Austria. Prime Minister Modi concluded by thanking Chancellor Nehammer for his friendship and extended an invitation for him to visit India.