'This is not the time for war': PM Modi reiterates during Austria visit
PM Modi in Austria
After concluding his Russia visit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived inAustria, where he held talks with Chancellor Karl Nehammer on Wednesday (Jul 10). During a press conference, the Indian leader reaffirmed that “this is not the time for war.” His statement came a day after he delivered a strong anti-war message to Russian PresidentVladimir Putin in Moscow.
“We won’t be able to find a solution to problems in the Warfield. Wherever it is, killing of innocent people is unacceptable. India and Austria emphasise dialogue and diplomacy and for that, we are together ready to give any support required,” PM Modi said in Vienna.
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Both leaders also condemned terrorism, saying it is not acceptable in any form. "This cannot be justified in any way," Modisaid. In response, Nehammer highlighted the strong relationship between the two nations.
“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 chancellor said.
Modi arrived in Austria Tuesday (Jul 9)night on a two-day visit, the first by an Indian PM in over 40 years. The personal camaraderie of both the leaders was visible in Vienna as the host clicked a selfie with PM Modi, which he later posted on social media.
Modi's comments on Ukraine war
On Tuesday, PM Modi commented on the Ukraine warwhile delivering a joint statement with President Putin. The Indian PM told the Russian president that war was not a solution and that it gave him "immense pain" when innocent children were murdered.
"Whether it be war, conflicts, or terror attacks, everyone who believes in humanity is pained when there is loss of lives. But when innocent children are murdered, when we see innocent children dying, it is heart-wrenching and that pain is immense. I also had a discussion about this with you," Modi said.
(With inputs from agencies)