In Austria, Modi reiterates his 'not the time for war' remark

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on Wednesday in Vienna.

Modi arrived in Vienna from Moscow on Tuesday evening on a two-day visit, the first by an Indian prime minister in over 40 years.

The two discussed ways to explore the full potential of the ties between the two countries.

In a joint statement, Karl Nehammer said there is a very good relationship between India and Austria.

"It's a relationship of trust which began in the 1950s. India helped Austria and in 1955, the negotiations came to a positive conclusion with the Austrian State Treaty. What unites India and Austria is concern over the development of the geopolitical situation."

The two leaders discussed the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, he said.

"For me, as the Federal Chancellor of Austria, it is particularly important to get to know India's assessment and to understand it and familiarise India with European concerns and worries. Moreover, the conflict in the Middle East was a major topic and in addition to this challenging geopolitical situation, we also referred to the positive aspects of our cooperation."

In his statement, PM Modi said the two leaders discussed in detail all the ongoing disputes in the world and added that he reiterated his earlier remark that this is not the time for war.

Modi said he and Chancellor Nehammer identified new possibilities to further strengthen mutual cooperation. "We have decided that the relationship will be given a strategic direction," he added.