PM Modi Invites Austria To Join International Solar Alliance, Urges Reforms In United Nations

After meeting Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Vienna today (10 July), Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the completion of 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

He asserted that both countries believed in democracy and the rule of law and mutual trust and shared interests are boosting our bilateral ties with the landlocked European nation.

Modi said, "We have identified new possibilities to boost mutual cooperation. We have decided to give a strategic direction to the relations and prepare a draft for future."

He elaborated that the cooperation will be in economic and investment sectors, infrastructure development, innovation, renewable energy, green hydrogen, water and waste management, artificial intelligence and quantum sectors.

Recalling the Vienna Conference of the 19th century for peace, Modi said, "We have discussed the Ukraine issue and the situation of West Asia. This is not the time for war. Problems cannot be solved through warfare."

"The loss of innocent lives anywhere is not acceptable. India and Austria emphasise dialogue and diplomacy for peace and stability. We are ready to extend every possible support," the PM added.

He asserted that discussions on the challenges of climate change and terrorism took place. He invited Austria to join initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and biofuels.

"We strongly condemn terrorism. We agree that it is not acceptable in any form. It cannot be justified in any way. We demand reforms in the United Nations Organisation and other international institutions," he added.

Modi also said that he would be meeting Austrian president Alexander Van der Bellen and invited Chancellor Nehammer to visit India in the first visit of an Indian PM to Austria in 41 years.