ALBAWABA - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Austria after his two-day official visit to Russia, which began on Monday. PM Modi will become the first Indian leader to visit Europe in 41 years.
According to a statement, PM Modi will attend the 22nd Annual Summit in Russia before traveling to Austria for the following three days.
"In Austria, I will have the opportunity to meet President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Austria is our steadfast and reliable partner and we share the ideals of democracy and pluralism," Modi stated.
"Together with the Austrian Chancellor, I look forward to exchanging views with business leaders from both sides to explore mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities. I will also be interacting with the Indian community in Austria which is well regarded for their professionalism and conduct," he added.
Indira Gandhi was the last prime minister to visit Austria, in 1983. PM Modi's visit to Austria comes as the nations celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Jawaharlal Nehru was the first prime minister to visit Austria, in 1955. He had formally visited the nation when diplomatic relations were established in 1949.
India and Austria have a history of high-level visits from the Prime Minister and President. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Gandhi first visited Austria in 1971, then Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky visited India in 1980, Gandhi again in 1983, and then Chancellor Fred Sinowatz in 1984. Gandhi has visited Vienna from June 16 to 18, 1983, Business Today reported.
