KNOW WHY PM MODI's AUSTRIAN VISIT IS SIGNIFICANT

                                                         Picture courtesy -PIB

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Vienna, the capital of Austria, recently after his two-day visit to Russia. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Austria after 41 years. This visit is taking place at a time when India and Austria are celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. The Republic of Austria and India established diplomatic relations in 1949. Before this, Indira Gandhi was the last Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in 1983.

This visit of PM Modi is not only historic but also very productive. PM Modi said that Austria is our steadfast and reliable partner and both countries share the ideals of democracy and pluralism. As soon as he landed at Vienna airport, Australian Chancellor Karl Nehammer hugged PM Modi. Then, he took a selfie with him and traditionally welcomed him. When PM Modi reached the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Vienna, Austrian artists sang Vande Mataram with musical instruments to welcome him. PM Modi was overwhelmed by this beautiful performance.

Shared responsibility for peace and stability in the world

Nehammer talked to PM Modi about the shared responsibility for peace and stability in the world about the Russia-Ukraine war. The two personalities also discussed in detail the ongoing disputes in the world (whether it was the conflict in Ukraine or the situation in West Asia). Both leaders were unanimous on the challenge of dealing with the threat that exists in cyberspace and both said that it cannot be justified in any way. Both also strongly condemned terrorism.

A working meeting was held between the two heads of government, after which a joint press statement was issued. During the joint statement, PM Modi said that this is not the time for war. We will not be able to find solutions to problems on the battlefield. Killing of innocent people is unacceptable, no matter where the war takes place. India and Austria emphasize dialogue and diplomacy and together we are ready to provide any help for this. Both personalities said that they agreed to reform the United Nations and other international institutions so that they can be made contemporary and effective.

Chancellor Nehammer believes that the BRICS countries can play a special role in the Russia-Ukraine war. An important objective of BRICS is to provide a new platform for developing countries to express their concerns and interests. Therefore, it is important to talk to them on an equal level and Putin also listens to them.

Startup: A way to bring the two countries closer

Austria is a key country in Central Europe. It offers great opportunities for cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy, high technology, startups, media, and entertainment. Prime Minister Modi held important meetings with Austrian leaders, including Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Nehammer, to promote bilateral cooperation and explore new avenues of cooperation between India and Austria.

The PM's visit comes a few months after the launch of the India-Austria Startup Bridge in February this year during the visit of Austria's Minister of Labor and Economy Martin Kocher to India in New Delhi and has already got off to a very good start. Hence, one of the objectives of this bridge is to enhance cooperation between the startups of both countries as also to give impetus to them. Both counties in February have also signed a comprehensive migration and mobility agreement.

Startup Bridge aims to share knowledge and collaboration on startups between India and Austria. Investment relations in India are constantly growing, even if they are small in terms of quantity. Many Austrian companies are showing up in India. Under this, representatives of 20 Indian startups participated in a very big event in Vienna last month i.e. June 24.

Delegation-level talks with PM Modi and Chancellor Karl Nehammer

Prime Minister Modi was accompanied by a large delegation on his visit to Austria, which included External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and several business representatives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Vienna. Both the leaders discussed new possibilities to further strengthen cooperation.

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber organized a meeting between PM Modi and Austrian entrepreneurs and a delegation from India followed by meetings with Nehammer and Van der Bellen. This economic meeting took place at the Hofburg, culminating in a speech by PM Modi and Nehammer.

PM Modi's interaction with members of the Indian community

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Indian community in Vienna at an event organized in his honor by the Indian diaspora. Mr. Martin Kocher, Federal Minister of Labour and Economy of Austria also attended the community gathering. In his address, the PM shared his views on the contribution of the Indian diaspora in strengthening bilateral relations between India and Austria. He wanted to know how Austria could partner with India in green growth and innovation.

The Prime Minister noted the deep intellectual interest in Indian philosophy, languages ​​, and ideas that had existed in Austria for centuries. Around 31,000 Indian expatriates are living in Austria. These Indian expatriates work mainly in healthcare and other sectors and multilateral UN bodies. Around 500 Indian students are pursuing higher education in Austria. This event demonstrated the strong ties between India and its diaspora community.

India-Austria have strong economic ties

Austria is one of the richest countries in the European Union. It has strong economic relations with India. India and Austria have been taking effective steps from time to time to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation. For this, the Indo-Austrian Joint Economic Commission (JEC) was established in the year 1983. It provides a platform for bilateral dialogue between various ministries and chambers of commerce and industry. It has led to more than 200 collaborations between various Indian and Austrian firms, particularly in the fields of steel, manufacturing technology, railways, transport, metallurgy, and equipment, including over 100 technical collaborations and 60 joint ventures.

The bilateral trade between India and Austria is quite balanced. India has recognized that Austrian companies are special to India. Investment relations between the two countries are also growing steadily, even though they are small in terms of volume. In 2023, bilateral trade between the two countries was around Rs 243 billion. For Austria, India is one of its most important trading partners outside the EU. There are currently 150 Austrian companies operating in India in the startup, media-entertainment sector.

Austria imports electrical and electronic equipment, machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers, railways, vehicles, footwear and accessories, unstitched garments, stitched garments, organic chemicals, iron and steel, glass and glassware, carpets, cotton, salt, sulfur, clay, stone, plaster, lime, cement, copper, aircraft, spacecraft, medical equipment, edible fruits, dry fruits, citrus fruits and melons from India.

Cultural proximity between the two countries

Indology has been studied in Austria since the beginning of the nineteenth century. Sanskrit studies had begun at Vienna University in 1845. Apart from Indian literature, music, and theatre, the interest of Austrians in Ayurveda and yoga has increased in recent years. It has gained popularity in Austria, with numerous Yoga schools in Vienna. They encouraged efforts to promote bilateral cultural ties and tourism. Acknowledging the role of cultural diplomacy, efforts to promote yoga, Ayurveda, and other cultural exchanges were emphasized. Rabindranath Tagore, Nobel Laureate, visited Vienna in 1921 and 1926, fostering significant cultural and intellectual exchanges through his lectures on topics like "The Religion of the Forest," emphasizing nature, union, and compassion.

PM Modi's visit to Austria marks a significant step in the relationship between the two countries and lays the foundation for deeper cooperation in the coming decades. The two leaders reaffirmed their support for the ongoing negotiations on a trade and investment agreement between India and the EU and emphasized the importance of multilateral engagement to promote peace and global stability. Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Nehammer also promise to provide every possible cooperation to achieve peace and stability in the region.

In Europe, Austria is considered a bridge between its eastern and western parts. Similarly, it can become an important medium for India to strengthen relations in Europe. India's credibility is constantly increasing in international politics full of mistrust. Prime Minister Modi's visit to Austria is an example of that.