India's Modi says 'this is not a time for war' after Ukraine talks on first Austria visit

Indian Prime Minister arrived in Vienna after a two-day visit to Russia

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Vienna. AFP

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability following a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on Wednesday, during his first visit to Vienna.

“Chancellor Nehammer and I have discussed in detail the ongoing conflicts around the world, whether it is the conflict in Ukraine or the situation in West Asia. I have said before that this is not a time for war,” Mr Modi said at a joint press conference.

The two leaders held bilateral talks on Wednesday, India’s External Affairs Ministry said.

“Problems cannot be solved on the battlefield. The loss of innocent lives anywhere is unacceptable. We are both ready to provide every possible co-operation to achieve this,” Mr Modi said.

Mr Nehammer also reiterated the need to end the Ukraine war.

“The West and the countries of the Global South must combine forces to further pursue the path chosen at the peace summit in Switzerland. Also in this regard, India has a crucial role,” he said.

“The war in the Ukraine must end; Austria will make every possible effort and is also ready to serve as a venue for dialogue.”

It is the first time India's head of government has visited the European country in more than 40 years. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited in 1983.

Mr Modi arrived in Vienna late on Tuesday, following an invitation from Mr Nehammer, after his two-day visit to Russia.

The Indian Prime Minister and Austrian Chancellor also discussed economic co-operation in education, innovation, renewable energy, hydrogen, water and waste management, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology.

Mr Nehammer said the nations were close to concluding an agreement in science and research that will enhance India-Austria co-operation in pharmaceuticals, technology, space technology and digital infrastructure.

India considers Austria, one of the richest countries in the EU, as an important link to central and eastern Europe.

India intervened in favour of Austria as early as 1953 during its negotiations with the Soviet Union on the State Treaty of Austria that resulted in the country's independence in 1955.

Economic and commercial co-operation is an important dimension of the India-Austria relationship.

Mr Modi has invited Austria to join Indian initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, which he established in 2019, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the Biofuel Alliance to fight climate change.

The International Solar Alliance is an intergovernmental treaty to use solar power to promote clean energy worldwide. Mr Modi was instrumental in bringing 75 “sunshine” countries together for the treaty.

The Biofuel Alliance, comprising 19 countries and 12 international organisations including World Economic Forum, was launched by India during the G20 Summit last year to try to expand the use of sustainable biofuels.

Mr Modi said the two leaders also signed an agreement to facilitate legal migration and the movement of skilled workers.

“To connect the youth and ideas of both countries … exchanges between cultural and educational institutions will be promoted,” Mr Modi said.

New Delhi said there have been more than 200 collaborations, since ties began in the 1950s, including 100 technical partnerships and 60 joint ventures, between Indian and Austrian companies, especially in the fields of steel, manufacturing technology, railway and transport, equipment and metallurgy