Modi’s visit to Austria, a neutral country, was also politically significant because an Indian prime minister was visiting the country after 41 years. Historically, Austria has always looked up to India. During the tense negotiations with the then Soviet Union on the signing of the Austrian State Treaty in the early ’50s, India played a crucial role in Austria’s favour. The Treaty resulted in Austria gaining independence after it was occupied by four powers during World War II. Jawaharlal Nehru, regarded as a statesman in Austria and whose intervention was critical for the Treaty, paid a state visit in June 1955, the first by a foreign leader.

Both India and Austria have taken a balanced position on the Russia-Ukraine war. Austria, a European country but not part of NATO, supported EU’s sanctions against Russia in April 2022 and criticised Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Yet it did not snap commercial ties; it continues to import gas from Russia. Chancellor Karl Nehammer was the first European leader to meet President Putin to end the war. Similarly, Modi during his meeting with Nehammer, re-emphasised his stand that “this is not a time for war” and that “problems cannot be solved on the battlefield.”

Even though the Indian PM’s visit to Austria came after a long gap, there is an enduring legacy between the two nations that promises to propel relations to a new high in years to come.