Vienna/Moscow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed his Austria visit "historic" and "immensely productive" and said it has added "vigor" to the two countries' friendship. Earlier, Modi's traditional warm embrace of Russian President Vladimir Putin was a signal to him that Russia does not have to lean for support only from China to counterbalance the Western pressure post-Ukraine war.
It was also a signal to the West, making it very clear that India does not want its vulnerability against China to become a vulnerability with Anglo-Saxon powers in the future. The first visit of an Indian PM to Austria since 1983 also showed that India was willing to engage a non-NATO power for garnering hi-tech infrastructure technologies and winter equipment.
Modi-Putin bonhomie
During their bilateral meeting at Moscow's Grand Kremlin Palace, Prime Minister Modi reiterated New Delhi's readiness to assist Russia in any possible way to establish peace in the region. PM Modi said that he was glad that both the leaders have exchanged opinions in an open manner on the issue of Ukraine.
The Russian President, while mentioning the long-standing friendship and good relations between the two countries, acknowledged PM Modi's initiative to end the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Congratulating PM Modi on NDA's third consecutive win in the recently-held Lok Sabha elections, Putin wished "new successes" in the development of India under the leadership of PM Modi.
PM Modi was also conferred the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, Russia's highest civilian award. Putin presented Modi with the highest state order of the country during a brief ceremony held at the Grand Kremlin Palace following the bilateral talks between the two leaders.
He stated that the Prime Minister of India was awarded the award for outstanding services in developing the special privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly ties between the Russian and Indian people. On the economic front, India and Russia have set a new target of $100 billion in trade between the two nations by 2030.
How the US reacted
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said a "bet on Russia as a long-term, reliable partner is not a good idea" for India or any other country and now that Russia has become a "junior partner" to China, Moscow will side with China in any conflict between the latter and India.
"We’ve made clear to every country in the world including India that a bet on Russia as a long-term, reliable partner is not a good bet," he was quoted as saying in media reports. India’s long-term ties with Russia have been an issue that the US has sought to deal with a mix of privately expressed misgivings to public statements of understanding.
Earlier, State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller said the US has privately conveyed its concerns in private conversations, including one that took place within 24 hours of the Prime Minister’s meeting with President Vladimir Putin. But he did not share details of this conversation.
The historic Austria leg
PM Modi reached Vienna from Moscow, where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Federal Chancery. He was warmly received by Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who called the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Vienna as a "special honor" as it came at a time when the two countries are marking 75 years of diplomatic relations.
In a joint statement along with the Austrian Chancellor, he said that he also held detailed discussions on the current geopolitical situation in the world, including the conflict in Ukraine or the situation in West Asia.
PM Modi with Austria’s Chancellor Karl Nehammer. (Photo courtesy: X@narendramodi)
Asserting that solutions to problems can’t be found on the battlefield, Modi said India and Austria emphasize dialogue and diplomacy, and for that, they are ready to give any support required. Modi said both India and Austria strongly condemn terrorism and agree that it is not acceptable in any form. “This cannot be justified in any way,” he said.
The Prime Minister also said that India and Austria will work together in areas such as infrastructure development, innovation, renewable energy, hydrogen, water and waste management, artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology and a blueprint for cooperation over the coming decades has been prepared.
Chancellor Nehammer acknowledged the strong relationship between India and Austria, stating that it is a relationship of trust that began in the 1950s. He also highlighted the current challenges faced by the global economy and the importance of finding new forms of economic cooperation, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, environment, and urban development.
The PM also said that Austria had been invited to join the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the Biofuel Alliance. PM Modi also met Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen who noted that his country needs India as a partner in a structurally sustainable transformation towards climate neutrality.
