India, Austria back collective efforts for 'peaceful resolution' of Ukraine conflict

Chancellor Nehammer and Prime Minister Modi recognised the potential to significantly enhance their bilateral partnership, agreeing to adopt a strategic approach to advance this objective.

India and Austria have expressed support for collective efforts to facilitate a "peaceful resolution" to the Ukraine conflict, consistent with international law and the UN Charter, highlighting that comprehensive and lasting peace requires involving all stakeholders.

In a joint statement released after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, it was noted that the leaders exchanged detailed assessments of recent developments in Europe and West Asia. They highlighted the importance of democratic nations like India and Austria collaborating to promote international and regional peace and prosperity.

After his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Vienna from Moscow on Tuesday night.

The joint statement asserted that both leaders recognised the need for peace and avoiding armed conflict, stressing adherence to international law and the UN Charter. Regarding the Ukraine war, they supported any collective efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution, asserting that comprehensive and lasting peace requires bringing together all stakeholders and sincere engagement between the conflicting parties.

Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed that "this is not the time for war," and both India and Austria emphasised dialogue and diplomacy for the earliest possible restoration of peace and stability.

The joint statement also highlighted the leaders' commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, respecting international law of the sea as reflected in UNCLOS, and ensuring maritime security and international peace and stability. This was seen as a reference to China's actions in the region.

Both leaders reiterated their condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border and cyber-terrorism, and stressed that no country should provide safe haven to those who finance, plan, support, or commit terrorist acts. They called for concerted action against terrorists, including through UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee designations.

Prime Minister Modi thanked Chancellor Nehammer for Austria's hospitality and extended an invitation for him to visit India, which the Chancellor accepted. Modi also invited Austria to join the International Solar Alliance, which recently welcomed its 100th member.

The leaders stressed on shared values such as democracy, freedom, international peace and security, and a rules-based international order centered on the UN Charter. They committed to deepening bilateral, regional, and international cooperation for a more stable, prosperous, and sustainable world.

Prime Minister Modi described his visit to Austria as historic and special, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 41 years and coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He took to microblogging site X, defining his Austria visit as "special".

"Had an excellent meeting with Chancellor
@karlnehammer. This visit to Austria is very special because it is after several decades that an Indian Prime Minister is visiting this wonderful country. It is also the time when we are marking 75 years of the India-Austria friendship".

He further noted, "Stronger economic ties naturally featured in our talks but we do not want to limit out friendship to only this aspect. We see immense potential in areas like infra development, innovation, water resources, AI, climate change and more", in his post on X.

Had an excellent meeting with Chancellor @karlnehammer. This visit to Austria is very special because it is after several decades that an Indian Prime Minister is visiting this wonderful country. It is also the time when we are marking 75 years of the India-Austria friendship. pic.twitter.com/wFsb4PvM9J

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2024

Chancellor Nehammer and PM Modi recognised the potential to significantly enhance their bilateral partnership, agreeing to adopt a strategic approach to advance this objective. This includes future-oriented sustainable economic and technology partnerships, joint projects, collaborative technology development, and business-to-business engagement in areas such as green and digital technologies, infrastructure, renewable energy, water management, life sciences, smart cities, mobility, and transportation.