EAM Jaishankar and Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Discuss Global Issues and Bilateral Relations
New Delhi, India – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Ambassadors Conference of the Austrian Foreign Ministry virtually, at the invitation of Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Jaishankar shared India’s perspective on the global situation and the prospects for bilateral relationships and the European Union.
In a post on X, Jaishankar expressed his pleasure in addressing the conference and thanked Schallenberg for the invitation. He highlighted the importance of discussing the global situation and the future of bilateral relations with Austria and the European Union.
Schallenberg praised Jaishankar, emphasizing the need for continuous engagement with key partners outside of Europe during challenging times. He posted on X, appreciating the insights shared by Jaishankar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Austria on July 9-10, 2024, marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Austria in 41 years. The visit aimed to enhance bilateral relations through cooperation in technology, economy, and global security. PM Modi and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer emphasized shared values such as democracy, freedom, and international peace.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, ensuring maritime security, and adhering to international laws. They discussed developments in Europe and West Asia, focusing on restoring peace and adherence to international law, particularly concerning the Ukraine conflict.
The leaders welcomed the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) and Austria’s interest in engaging with this initiative. They agreed on a future-oriented economic partnership focusing on green and digital technologies, infrastructure, renewable energy, and smart cities. The first high-level bilateral Business Forum was convened to promote partnerships across sectors and encourage CEO-level interactions.
Both countries pledged to collaborate on renewable energy, focusing on Austria’s Hydrogen Strategy and India’s Green Hydrogen Mission. They acknowledged the importance of reducing climate change risks and noted the EU’s target for climate neutrality by 2050, Austria’s goal for 2040, and India’s aim for net zero emissions by 2070.
Initiatives such as the Start-Up Bridge and exchanges under Austria’s Global Incubator Network and India’s Start-Up India were highlighted as crucial for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The leaders reiterated their commitment to multilateralism and supported comprehensive reforms of the United Nations. India supported Austria’s UNSC candidature for the term 2027-28, while Austria supported India’s candidature for the period 2028-29. India invited Austria to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA), highlighting collaboration in renewable energy and sustainable development.
Doubts Revealed
EAM -: EAM stands for External Affairs Minister. In India, this is the person in charge of managing the country’s relationships with other countries.
Jaishankar -: Jaishankar is S Jaishankar, the current External Affairs Minister of India. He helps India talk and work with other countries.
Austrian Foreign Minister -: The Austrian Foreign Minister is Alexander Schallenberg. He is like the External Affairs Minister of Austria, helping Austria with its international relationships.
Ambassadors Conference -: An Ambassadors Conference is a meeting where ambassadors, who are representatives of a country in other countries, come together to discuss important topics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: Narendra Modi is the current Prime Minister of India. He is the head of the government and makes important decisions for the country.
Indo-Pacific region -: The Indo-Pacific region includes countries around the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It is important for trade and security.
renewable energy -: Renewable energy comes from natural sources like the sun, wind, and water. It is important because it doesn’t run out and is better for the environment.
multilateralism -: Multilateralism means multiple countries working together on common issues. It helps in solving global problems like climate change and trade.
UNSC candidatures -: UNSC stands for United Nations Security Council. Countries want to be members to help make important decisions about world peace and security.
India-Middle East-Europe Corridor -: This is a proposed trade route that would connect India, the Middle East, and Europe. It aims to make trade faster and easier between these regions.
