PM Modi Dinner with Austrian Chancellor in Vienna: Strengthening 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer for a memorable dinner in Vienna, marking a significant moment in the 75-year history of diplomatic relations between India and Austria. The evening was a blend of formal discussions and warm interactions, set against the backdrop of a historic visit that saw an Indian Prime Minister in Austria for the first time in over four decades.

PM Modi's arrival in Austria was met with a warm welcome from Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Indian Ambassador to Austria Shambhu Kumaran. Schallenberg, highlighting the importance of the visit, tweeted, "A warm welcome to Indian PM @narendramodi on his historic visit to Austria, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. The partnership between our nations is based on a joint commitment to global security, stability and prosperity."

Chancellor Nehammer echoed this sentiment with a personal touch, sharing a selfie with PM Modi on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, "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!"

The dinner was not just a diplomatic event but also a cultural exchange, as members of the Indian diaspora in Austria greeted PM Modi, adding a touch of home to the evening. PM Modi expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, stating, "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."

This visit is particularly noteworthy as it is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Austria since Indira Gandhi's trip in 1983. The rekindling of high-level visits signifies a renewed commitment to enhancing bilateral ties.

The dinner set the stage for the next day's discussions, which are expected to cover a wide range of topics, from political and economic cooperation to global security and stability. The meeting between PM Modi and Chancellor Nehammer is seen as a pivotal moment for both nations, aiming to build on their longstanding relationship and explore new avenues for collaboration.

As PM Modi and Chancellor Nehammer raise a toast to the future, the world watches with anticipation, hopeful that this visit will herald a new chapter in the robust partnership between India and Austria.