NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday morning after completing his visits to Russia and Austria. He described the trip as both historic and highly productive.
In a post on X, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to Austria's Chancellor, the government, and the people for their warm welcome and hospitality. He emphasized the significance of the visit, noting that it marked a key milestone in the 75-year friendship between India and Austria.
During his time in Vienna on Wednesday, PM Modi attended a community event where he received a warm reception, with chants of "Modi, Modi" echoing from the crowd. This enthusiastic welcome underscored the strong bond between India and its diaspora.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer praised the teams involved in the state visit's organization. In his own post on X, Chancellor Nehammer highlighted the extensive efforts of various teams, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Army, the police, and protocol officers, all of whom played crucial roles in ensuring the visit's success.
The visit also emphasized cultural exchanges between the two nations, particularly the growing Austrian interest in yoga and Ayurveda. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of skill development and the mobility of skilled personnel to enhance cooperation in high-tech sectors. They welcomed the bilateral Migration and Mobility Agreement, which aims to facilitate such exchanges while combating irregular migration.
PM Modi's visit included important meetings with Austrian leaders, including Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Nehammer. These discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.
Additionally, PM Modi engaged with business leaders from both countries, expressing confidence in the potential to boost commercial and trade ties. He highlighted the mutual optimism in leveraging future opportunities to enhance economic relations between India and Austria.
Before his stop in Austria, PM Modi spent two days in Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss further cooperation between India and Russia.
PM Modi's visit to Austria marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 41 years, highlighting its historic significance and the deepening ties between the two nations.
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