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.
Comments
Post a Comment