PM Modi, Austrian Chancellor Address Press Meet In Vienna: Updates

India and Austria are geographically on two different ends, but we have many similarities, said PM Modi in Austria.

"Our shared values are liberty, equality, pluralism & respect for rule of law. Our societies are multicultural and multilingual. In recent election, 650 million people voted and results were declared within hours. It is the power of our electoral democracy."

"India has given Buddha to the world, not war. It means India has always given peace and prosperity to the world," he added.

Nobel laureate and Austrian physicist Anton Zeilinger described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a spiritual person, and asserted that other international leaders should possess this trait as well, according to news ganecy PTI.

The Nobel laureate Zeilinger, who is known for his work on quantum mechanics and was awarded Nobel Prize for Physics in 2022, met PM Modi in Vienna on Wednesday.

Mr Zeilinger on his meeting with PM Modi said that the two had discussions on several topics, ranging from spirituality to quantum technology. He said, "A very pleasant discussion. We discussed about spiritual things, we talked about possibilities of quantum information, quantum technology, and about the basic fundamental ideas of quantum physics. I experienced him as a very spiritual person, and I think this is a feature that more leaders in the world should have today."

The Nobel laureate added, "The point is that you support the gifted young people to follow their own ideas and from them the really new ideas come. That is something which can happen in every country, certainly in India as India has a very gigantic spiritual and technological past."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in "extensive and fruitful" discussions with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on Wednesday, bolstering the bilateral relationship between India and Austria.

The meeting, described as comprehensive by the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, covered a wide array of subjects pivotal to both nations.

Key areas of discussion included trade and investment, with both leaders expressing a commitment to enhancing economic cooperation. Read more.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor of Austria Karl Nehammer, jointly addressed a group of leading Austrian and Indian CEOs from diverse sectors including infrastructure, automobile, energy, engineering and start-ups on Wednesday.

Both leaders acknowledged the role played by industry leaders in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting economic cooperation between India and Austria.

The leaders noted that trade and investment between the two countries has been increasing over the years and called for realising the full potential of the India-Austria partnership through greater collaboration.

Praising the ties shared between Austria and India, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on Wednesday emphasised that it is a relationship of trust that began in the 1950s. He stated that it is the "concern over the development of the geopolitical situation" that united both nations.

Delivering his remarks at the joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Vienna, the Austrian Chancellor said, "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 State Treaty."

"What unites India and Austria is concern over the development of the geopolitical situation," he underlined. Read more.

PM Modi says, " ...I have told earlier also, this is not the time for war, we won't be able to find solution to problems in the Warfield. Wherever it is, killing of innocent people is unacceptable. India and Austria emphasize dialogue and diplomacy, and for that, we are together ready to give any support required"

" I am happy that during the beginning of my third term itself, I got the opportunity to visit Austria. This trip of mine is historic and special. After 41 years, an Indian PM has visited Austria...today, between Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and me, a very meaningful discussion took place. We discussed new possibilities to strengthen our ties further. We have decided to give these ties a strategic direction...in sectors like infrastructure development, renewable energy, hydrogen, water and waste management, artificial intelligence...we work towards linking each other's capabilities", he added.

 "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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a State visit to Austria, received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna on Wednesday. Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer accompanied PM Modi who also signed the Guestbook at at the Federal Chancellery.

PM Modi arrived in Austria on Wednesday (local time) from Moscow after concluding a two-day visit to Russia.

Upon his arrival here, the Indian Prime Minister was welcomed by Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Indian Ambassador to Austria, Shambhu Kumaran was also present at the airport.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi signs the Guestbook at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna, Austria.   

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer also accompanies PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Ceremonial Reception at Federal Chancellery in Vienna, Austria. 

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer also accompanies PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Austria last evening after wrapping up another landmark visit to Russia. Read more