'This Is Not The Time For War': In Vienna Talks, PM Modi, Austrian Chancellor Discuss Ukraine War

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held delegation-level talks with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on several key issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the global fight against terrorism. During a joint press statement with Nehammer in Vienna, Modi reiterated that “this is not the time for war.”

“We won’t be able to find a solution to problems in the Warfield. Wherever it is, killing of innocent people is unacceptable. India and Austria emphasise dialogue and diplomacy and for that, we are together ready to give any support required,” the prime minister said a day after his Moscow visit where the Ukraine conflict was discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

‘Historic and Special’ Trip

The Prime Minister said he was pleased that at the start of his third term, he got the opportunity to visit Austria for this historic trip. “This trip of mine is historic and special. After 41 years, an Indian PM has visited Austria. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and I held a very meaningful discussion. We discussed new possibilities to strengthen our ties further. We have decided to give these ties a strategic direction,” he said.

‘Very good relationship’

Speaking on the issue of terrorism, Modi said, “We both strongly condemn terrorism. We agree that it is not acceptable in any form. It cannot be justified in any way.” Standing alongside Modi, Nehammer said India and Austria have “a very good relationship.” “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 State Treaty. What unites India and Austria is concern over the development of the geopolitical situation,” he said.

“…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. Moreover, 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,” he added.

Ceremonial Welcome

Earlier today Modi received a ceremonial reception at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna during his historic visit to the country that will help tap the full potential of the bilateral partnership. “Scripting a new chapter in bilateral relations. PM @narendramodi warmly received by Austrian Chancellor @karlnehammer at the Federal Chancellery and accorded a ceremonial welcome. This landmark visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Austria is taking place after 4 decades,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.

India-Austria friendship

The Prime Minister arrived here from Moscow on Tuesday evening on a two-day visit, the first by an Indian prime minister in over 40 years. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed Modi at the airport. Ahead of his official meeting with Austrian Chancellor Nehammer on Wednesday, Modi said the India-Austria friendship is strong, and it will get even stronger in the times to come. On Tuesday, Modi met Nehammer for a private engagement.

“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 on realising the full potential of bilateral partnership lie ahead,” Jaiswal said in a post on X, along with photographs of the two leaders together in Vienna.

Modi-Nehammer selfie

Modi was seen hugging Nehammer in one of the photos, while in another, the Austrian chancellor was seen clicking a selfie with the prime minister. Nehammer posted a photo of him and Modi on the microblogging platform.

The Austrian Chancellor said: “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!” The prime minister thanked the Austrian chancellor “for the warm welcome” and said he looks forward to “our discussions tomorrow as well. Our nations will continue working together to further global good”.

Landed in Vienna

In another post on X, Modi said: “Happy to meet you in Vienna, Chancellor @karlnehammer. The India-Austria friendship is strong and it will get even stronger in the times to come.” This is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Austria in more than 40 years, the last being of Indira Gandhi in 1983. During Modi’s visit to Austria, the two countries will explore ways to further deepen their relationship and closer cooperation on various geopolitical challenges.

Earlier, the prime minister said on X: “Landed in Vienna. This visit to Austria is a special one. Our nations are connected by shared values and a commitment to a better planet. Looking forward to the various programmes in Austria, including talks with Chancellor @karlnehammer, interactions with the Indian community and more.” In an earlier post on X, the MEA spokesperson said, “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.”

Musical Welcome

Australian artists welcomed Modi with a rendition of Vande Mataram. The choir and orchestra were led by Vijay Upadhyaya. Upadhyaya, 57, was born in Lucknow. In 1994 he became director of the Vienna University Philharmony. He is the Austrian representative on the jury of experts for the evaluation of European Union culture projects and is the founder and artistic director of the India National Youth Orchestra.

“Austria is known for its vibrant musical culture. I got a glimpse of it thanks to this amazing rendition of Vande Mataram!” Modi posted on X with the video. Modi will call on the President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, and hold talks with Nehammer on Wednesday. The prime minister and the chancellor will also address business leaders from India and Austria.

(With agency inputs)