Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a state visit to Austria, received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna on Wednesday. He was accompanied by Austria’s Chancellor Karl Nehammer, with whom he also signed the Guestbook at the Federal Chancellery.
PM Modi arrived in Austria on Wednesday (local time) from Moscow after concluding a two-day visit to Russia. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, alongside Indian Ambassador to Austria Shambhu Kumaran.
Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi expressed, “Landed in Vienna. This visit to Austria is a special one. Our nations are connected by shared values and a commitment to a better planet. Looking forward to the various programmes in Austria including talks with Chancellor @karlnehammer, interactions with the Indian community and more.”
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the significance of the visit, stating, “PM @narendramodi arrives in the historic city of Vienna on his first bilateral visit to Austria. Welcomed by FM @a_schallenberg at the airport. As the two countries are celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, this momentous visit will add renewed momentum to India-Austria ties.”
Yesterday, PM Modi attended a dinner hosted by Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who welcomed him with warm regards. Nehammer expressed on X, “Welcome to Vienna, PM @narendramodi! It is a pleasure and honour to welcome you to Austria. Austria and India are friends and partners. I look forward to our political and economic discussions during your visit!”
Responding to the Chancellor’s welcome, PM Modi replied, “Thank you, Chancellor @karlnehammer, for the warm welcome. I look forward to our discussions tomorrow as well. Our nations will continue working together to further global good.”
Notably, this marks the first bilateral visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Austria since 1983, when Indira Gandhi visited the country.