Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent departure for a two-nation tour to Russia and Austria marks a significant diplomatic mission aimed at fortifying India's relations with these nations.
Before boarding his flight, PM Modi emphasised the importance of this visit, highlighting the potential for deepening the long-standing friendships and partnerships India shares with both countries.
In his departure statement, the Prime Minister expressed his enthusiasm for the trip, underscoring the historical bonds India has with Russia and Austria.
"Over the next three days, I will be in Russia and Austria. These visits will be a wonderful opportunity to deepen ties with these nations, with whom India has time-tested friendship. I also look forward to interacting with the Indian community living in these countries," PM Modi stated.
This visit is seen as an opportunity not only to strengthen governmental and economic relations but also to connect with the Indian diaspora. Focusing on his visit to Russia, PM Modi expressed his anticipation of engaging in detailed discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He emphasised the importance of reviewing bilateral cooperation and discussing various regional and global issues. "I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues. We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region. The visit will also provide me with an opportunity to meet the vibrant Indian community in Russia," PM Modi noted.
The relationship between India and Russia has flourished over the past decade, evolving into a special and privileged Strategic Partnership. This partnership spans numerous areas including energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. PM Modi's visit is expected to further advance these areas of cooperation, solidifying the foundation of mutual support and collaboration.
Following his visit to Russia, PM Modi will travel to Austria, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 40 years. In Austria, he plans to meet President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
Speaking about this leg of the trip, PM Modi said, "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."
The Prime Minister is particularly excited about exploring new and emerging areas of collaboration with Austria, focusing on innovation, technology, and sustainable development.
"This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister in over 40 years. I look forward to my discussions to take our partnership to even greater heights in new and emerging areas of innovation, technology and sustainable development among others. 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 its professionalism and conduct," he added.
Echoing the Prime Minister's sentiments, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the significance of the visit to Russia. He noted the importance of annual summits and the robust economic relationship between the two countries.
"There was a bit of a delay in our annual summits, it is a good tradition, we are two countries which have a strong history of working together. We did value the need for an annual summit. Last year when I went to Moscow, I carried a message from the PM that we are committed to the annual summit and we will do it sooner…it is a regular recurrence. It is a way of taking stock of any relationship…one of the biggest changes has been, that our economic relationship with Russia has grown tremendously…at the leadership level, it will be a great opportunity for PM Modi and (Russian) President Putin to sit down and directly talk to each other," Jaishankar said.
President Putin is set to host PM Modi, and a community event in Moscow will be one of the highlights of the visit, offering an opportunity for the Prime Minister to engage with the Indian community in Russia. This trip is anticipated to strengthen the ties between India and these two European nations, fostering deeper cooperation and mutual growth.
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