They laid stress on a future-oriented bilateral sustainable economic and technology partnership
India and Austria have the potential to significantly upgrade their bilateral partnership to a higher level, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Karl Nehammer said after their bilateral talks in Vienna on Wednesday (July 10, 2024).
 
They agreed to adopt a strategic approach to advance this shared objective, the Joint Statement on Enhanced India-Austria Partnership issued after their meeting said.
 
"To this end, in addition to closer political-level dialogue, they emphasised on a future-oriented bilateral sustainable economic and technology partnership, covering a range of new initiatives and joint projects, collaborative technology development, research and innovation and business-to-business engagement inter alia in green and digital technologies, infrastructure, renewable energy, water management, life sciences, smart cities, mobility and transportation," the Joint Statement noted. 
 
This visit is significant as it was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Austria in 41 years. Additionally, this year also marks the 75th year of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
 
Here are some key takeaways from the Joint Statement:
 
1. The two leaders exchanged in-depth assessments of recent developments in Europe as well as West Asia/Middle East. They noted that both the countries prioritise efforts towards restoring peace and avoiding armed conflict as well as rigorous adherence to international law and the UN Charter.
 
2. On the war in Ukraine, Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Nehammer supported any collective effort to facilitate a peaceful resolution consistent with international law and the UN Charter. Both sides believe that achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine requires bringing together all stakeholders and a sincere and earnest engagement between the two parties to the conflict.
 
3. They reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border and cyber- terrorism and emphasised that no country should provide safe haven to those who finance, plan, support or commit terrorist acts. 
 
4. Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Nehammer underscored the importance of democratic countries such as India and Austria working together to contribute to international and regional peace and prosperity. 
 
5. They reinforced their commitment to a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific in accordance with the international law of the sea as reflected in UNCLOS and with full respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and freedom of navigation to the benefit of maritime security and international peace and stability.
 
6. The two leaders agreed that the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) project would be of great strategic importance and would significantly enhance the potential and flow of commerce and energy between India, the Middle East and Europe. Chancellor Nehammer conveyed Austria’s keen interest to engage with IMEC and pointed to Austria’s location at the centre of Europe as a key enabler of connectivity.
 
7. The leaders identified a range of environmental technologies for targeted cooperation in areas such as clean transportation, water and wastewater management, waste management, renewable energy and other clean technologies. 
 
8. Chancellor Nehammer and Prime Minister Modi recognised the importance of skill development and mobility of skilled personnel to support an expanded engagement in high-tech sectors. 
 
9. The leaders recognised the role played by tourism in generating economic, sustainable and inclusive growth as well as greater understanding between the people of both countries.
 
10. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the United Nations Charter. They agreed to work together to safeguard and promote these fundamental principles through regular bilateral consultations and coordination at multilateral forums.