PM Modi Visits Austria, Ending 41-Year Absence of Indian PM Visits

Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes a significant visit to Austria, marking the first by an Indian PM in over four decades, focusing on bolstering bilateral relations and addressing key global challenges.

Staff Reporter

Jul 10, 2024, 08:01 AM1 min read

PM Modi Visits Austria, Ending 41-Year Absence of Indian PM Visits

This is the first visit by an Indian PM to Austria after 41 years. (Pic: https://x.com/narendramodi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Austria last evening following a successful visit to Russia, marking the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Austria in over four decades. The last Indian Prime Minister to visit the country was Indira Gandhi in 1983.

During his stay in Vienna, PM Modi will meet with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and hold discussions with Chancellor Nehammer. Both leaders are expected to address business leaders from India and Austria, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation on various geopolitical challenges, as per officials.

PM Modi is also scheduled to engage with the Indian community in Vienna, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to bilateral relations.

Prior to his visit, PM Modi highlighted those shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law form the foundation for closer Indo-Austrian partnership.

In 2021, during COP26 in Glasgow, PM Modi had discussions with then-Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg, now the country's Foreign Minister.

Recently, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra described Austria as a pivotal Central European partner, offering substantial opportunities for collaboration in infrastructure, renewable energy, high technology, startups, media, and entertainment sectors.