Modi, Nehammer discuss Ukraine war in India-Austria 'intensive talks'

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on Wednesday said that he had a “very intensive talks” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.  

“Last night and this morning, we had very intensive talks about the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. For me, as the Federal Chancellor of Austria, it is particularly important to get to know India’s assessment and to understand it and familiarise India with European concerns and worries,” Chancellor Nehammer said during a joint press meet after the delegation level talks between India and Austria on Wednesday.

Modi is on a two-day visit to Vienna, becoming the first Indian prime minister to visit Austria in 41 years.

Speaking in detail about the discussion during India-Austria delegation talks, Chancellor Nehammer said, “The conflict in the Middle East was a major topic and in addition to this challenging geopolitical situation, we also referred to the positive aspects of our cooperation."

#WATCH | Vienna: Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says, "...Last night and this morning, we had very intensive talks about the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. For me, as the Federal Chancellor of Austria, it is particularly important to get to know India's assessment… pic.twitter.com/Vo83b89zu0

In his address, PM Modi also informed that he held a detailed discussion with Chancellor Nehammer about the ongoing conflicts in the world including the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas war in West Asia.

“I have already told earlier that now is not the time for war. Problems cannot be solved on battlefields. Killing of innocent people is unacceptable,” PM Modi said.

The Indian Prime Minister further said for immediate peace and stability, India and Austria stress on dialogue and diplomacy.  

India-Austria delegation level talks were held during PM Modi’s Vienna visit on July 10, 2024. Source: X/@MEAIndia

For peace and stability, both India and Austria together are ready to provide all possible assistance,” PM Modi said.

Modi and Nehammer also discussed challenges including climate change and terrorism.

Addressing the press meet with Chancellor @karlnehammer in Vienna. https://t.co/dKleqH32KH

“We both strongly condemn terrorism. We agree that it is not acceptable in any form. It cannot be justified in any way,” PM Modi said.

What PM Modi discuss with Austrian Chancellor during delegation-level talks?

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed in a post on X that PM Modi held “extensive and fruitful” talks with Chancellor Nehammer and their dicussion covered various dimensions of the bilateral partnership, including trade and investment, S&T, green energy, AI, Start-ups, environment and climate change, cultural cooperation and people to people ties.

“The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

India-Austria share relations of trust

Addressing the joint press, Chancellor Nehammer said: “There is a very good relationship between India and Austria. It’s a relationship of trust which began in the 1950s. India has been Austria’s important and a supporter when it came to peace negotiations…"

“India helped Austria and in 1955, the negotiations came to a positive conclusion with the Austrian State Treaty. What unites India and Austria is concern over the development of the geopolitical situation,” Chancellor Nehammer further said.

#WATCH | Vienna: Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says, "...There is a very good relationship between India and Austria. It's a relationship of trust which began in the 1950s...India helped Austria and in 1955, the negotiations came to a positive conclusion with the Austrian… pic.twitter.com/Vg4wX0e1IK

‘India’s role for Austria is more than important’

“Before his visit to Austria, PM Modi paid a visit to the Russian President. Therefore, it was particularly important for me to hear about the Prime Minister’s personal assessment regarding the intentions of Russia in respect of the peace progress. Our shared objective is to achieve a comprehensive, just and permanent peace in line with the UN Charter. My cabinet has been in constant contact with the EU,” Chancellor Nehammer further said.  

“For me, it was an important signal that India, as a founding member of the BRICS, participated in the Swiss Peace Summit… Today, we have been talking about an even stronger commitment and about the possibilities of reviving the peace process. PM Modi and myself discussed the unique position of India in the so-called global south,” he further said.

“India is an important, influential and credit-worthy country. India is the biggest democracy in the world. Therefore, India’s role, especially for Austria, is more than important when it comes to the peace process and future peace summits. As a reliable partner, Austria will be available as a site for dialogue, making use of its unique position as a neutral country - a member of the EU but not a member of NATO,” Chancellor Nehammer said.

#WATCH | Vienna: Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says, "Before his visit to Austria, PM Modi paid a visit to the Russian President. Therefore, it was particularly important for me to hear about the Prime Minister's personal assessment regarding the intentions of Russia in… pic.twitter.com/BolfkT5R8Y

Austria wants to boost trade with India

The Austrian Chancellor further said: “Currently the world economy finds itself in a challenging situation. Against this background, it is particularly important for Austria - a strongly export oriented country to find new forms of economic cooperation. Today, there are already excellent economic and trade relations with India, marked by mutual trust and confidence."

He went on to say  that the current trade volume is 2.7 billion Euro. “More than 150 Austrian businesses are operating in India and we expect the number to increase. There will also be Indian investments in Austria. There is high demand for economic cooperation, particularly when it comes to renewable energy, environment and urban technology, urban development and infrastructure development,” Chancellor Nehammer said.

#WATCH | Vienna: Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says, "...Currently the world economy finds itself in a challenging situation. Against this background, it is particularly important for Austria - a strongly export oriented country to find new forms of economic cooperation.… pic.twitter.com/7DVZICj8Mu

With inputs from agencies