Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on significant back-to-back visits to Russia and Austria, emphasizing the importance of India’s diplomatic ties with these key nations.
Russia Visit: Strengthening Strategic Partnership
PM Modi will visit Moscow from July 8-9 at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate in the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. This marks Modi’s first visit to Russia since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022.
Agenda:
- Bilateral Discussions: PM Modi and President Putin will review the entire spectrum of India-Russia relations, focusing on strategic, economic, and cultural ties.
- Regional and Global Issues: The leaders will exchange views on contemporary regional and global matters of mutual interest, including security, energy cooperation, and trade.
- Official and Informal Talks: According to Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the program will be extensive, with opportunities for both formal meetings and informal discussions.
“We are expecting a very important and full-fledged visit, which is so crucial for Russian-Indian relations,” Peskov stated, as quoted by the official Tass news agency.
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Austria Visit: Building on Shared Values
Following his visit to Russia, PM Modi will travel to Austria on July 9-10. This will be his first visit to Austria, marking a historic milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Agenda:
- Diplomatic Engagement: PM Modi will meet with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors.
- Shared Values: The visit underscores the shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, which form the foundation of the India-Austria relationship.
- Economic and Cultural Ties: Discussions are expected to explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly in trade, technology, and cultural exchange.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I very much look forward to welcoming Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, the world’s largest democracy, next week in Vienna.”
In response, PM Modi remarked, “Thank you, Chancellor Karl Nehammer. It is indeed an honor to visit Austria to mark this historic occasion. I look forward to our discussions on strengthening the bonds between our nations and exploring new avenues of cooperation.”
Expectations
These visits are pivotal for bolstering India’s strategic and diplomatic relationships with Russia and Austria. In Moscow, discussions are expected to enhance strategic partnerships, particularly in defense and energy. In Vienna, the focus will be on leveraging shared democratic values to forge stronger economic and cultural ties.