Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day state visit to Russia, has reached Austria after concluding what the Ministry of External Affairs dubbed as a "successful" visit. After reaching the capital Vienna he will meet the Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. PM Modi's state visit to Austria marks the first by any Indian prime minister in the last 40 years. In 1983, Indira Gandhi visited the Central European nation. While emphasising bolstering the bilateral relations between both countries, PM Modi and Chancellor Nehammer will also discuss new avenues for cooperation.
Earlier on July 7, the Chancellor of Austria took to X and wrote, “This visit is a special honour as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over forty years, and a significant milestone as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations with India.”
PM Modi's visit to Russia
Prime Minister Modi on Monday began his state visit to Russia to hold the 22nd India-Russia annual summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. It was the first visit by PM Modi since the start of Russia-Ukraine war.
Last night, the Russian president hosted a private dinner for the Indian prime minister at the former's residence on the outskirts of Moscow. During his visit, PM Modi and President discussed ways to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation in sectors such as energy, trade, manufacturing and fertilisers.
Discussions on Ukraine war
The discussions between both the leaders also included war in Ukraine on which PM Modi told Putin that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is only possible through peace talks and is not possible on the battlefield with guns, bombs and bullets. Earlier today, Putin thanked PM Modi for trying to help in finding a peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis. "I am grateful to you for the attention you pay to the most pressing issues, particularly trying to find ways to resolve the Ukraine crisis, primarily through peaceful means.”
(With inputs from agency)
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