PM Modi Returns Home After Completing Two-Nation Visit To Russia And Austria

Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned home on Thursday morning after concluding his visit to Russia and Austria, during which he held talks with the top leadership of the two countries and discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation.

Modi first travelled to Russia, where he participated in the 22nd India-Russia summit with President Vladimir Putin, in his first trip to Moscow since the Ukraine conflict. “PM @narendramodi emplanes for New Delhi after concluding a successful visit to Austria,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a post on X after wrapping up the two-nation trip.

During his visit, he told Russian President Putin that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield, and peace talks do not succeed amidst bombs, guns and bullets. The prime minister was on Tuesday officially conferred the ’Order of St Andrew the Apostle’ award by President Putin for his contribution to fostering bilateral ties between the two countries. The award was announced in 2019.

From Moscow, Modi travelled to Austria, becoming the first Indian prime minister to visit the country in 41 years. During his visit, Modi met Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehammer and discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in several sectors, including the environment and combating climate change. He also discussed the ongoing disputes in the world, including the Ukraine conflict and the situation in West Asia, with the two leaders.

“My visit to Austria has been historic and immensely productive. New vigour has been added to the friendship between our nations. I am glad to have attended diverse programmes while in Vienna. Gratitude to Chancellor @karlnehammer, the Austrian Government and people for their hospitality and affection,” the prime minister said in a post on X. Modi also addressed the Indian community in both countries during his visit.

(With PTI inputs)