PM Modi Returns India After Historic Two-Nation Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New Delhi on Thursday morning after concluding a significant two-nation visit to Russia and Austria. Following his return, PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude towards Austria’s Chancellor Karl Nehammer, the Austrian government, and the people for their warm hospitality.

Describing his visit as “historic” and “immensely productive,” PM Modi highlighted the strengthened friendship between India and Austria. He shared his experiences from Vienna, where he attended various programs and felt the warmth and affection from the Austrian community. In his post, he stated:

“My visit to Austria has been historic and immensely productive. New vigour has been added to the friendship between our nations. I am glad to have attended diverse programmes while in Vienna. Gratitude to Chancellor @karlnehammer, the Austrian Government and people for their hospitality and affection,” PM Modi said on X.

On Wednesday, PM Modi participated in a community event in Vienna, marking 75 years of friendship between India and Austria. He noted the historic nature of his visit, being the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Austria in 41 years. The enthusiastic crowd welcomed him with chants of “Modi, Modi,” reflecting the strong bond between India and its diaspora in Austria.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer also expressed his appreciation for the successful state visit. In a post on X, he acknowledged the efforts of numerous teams, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Army, and the police, for their meticulous planning and execution of the visit.

“In order for a state visit as big as that of @narendramodi to Austria to work, dozens of employees are intensively busy for weeks. Hundreds more are involved on the day of the visit,” Nehammer said. “Many thanks to the teams of @MFA_Austria, @bkagvat as well as the Federal Army, the police, the protocol and the many helping hands in the background for the professional planning, the careful organization and the perfect execution. Thank you!” he added.

During the visit, both leaders emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges, noting the growing interest in yoga and Ayurveda among Austrians. They also recognized the need for skill development and the mobility of skilled personnel to enhance engagement in high-tech sectors. The operationalization of the bilateral Migration and Mobility Agreement was welcomed, providing a framework to facilitate such exchanges and combat irregular migration.

PM Modi held significant meetings with Austrian leaders, including Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Nehammer, to bolster bilateral cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration. He also interacted with business leaders from both countries, expressing confidence in boosting commercial and trade linkages.

Prior to his visit to Austria, PM Modi was on a two-day official visit to Moscow, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin.