Modi in Austria: Ties to get stronger, says PM as he meets Chancellor Nehammer

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Austria on July 9 from Moscow on a two-day visit and was hosted by Chancellor Karl Nehammer for a private engagement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Modi was received by Austrian foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg at the airport.

The India-Austria friendship is strong and it will get even stronger in the times to come, Modi said as he met Nehammer for a private engagement ahead of their official talks on July 10 to tap the full potential of the bilateral partnership.

Modi arrived in Vienna from Moscow on July 9 evening for the first visit by an Indian prime minister in more than 40 years.

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.

During Modi's visit to Austria, the two countries will explore ways to further deepen their relationship and closer cooperation on various geopolitical challenges. The prime minister and the chancellor will also address business leaders from India and Austria.

Ahead of his visit to Austria, Modi said the shared values of democracy, freedom and the rule of law form the bedrock upon which the two countries will build an ever-closer partnership.

Modi being welcomed by the Indian diaspora upon his arrival in Vienna.

Mod interacts with Indian diaspora in Vienna  on July 9.

"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," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.