Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for New Delhi on Wednesday after completing his visits to Russia and Austria, where he engaged in discussions with top leaders from both nations to enhance bilateral cooperation. "PM @narendramodi emplanes for New Delhi after concluding a successful visit to Austria," the Prime Minister's Office announced in a post on X. PM Modi first visited Russia, participating in the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit with President Vladimir Putin, marking his first trip to Moscow since the Ukraine conflict began. During the visit, he emphasized to President Putin that a resolution to the Ukraine conflict cannot be achieved on the battlefield and that peace talks cannot succeed amid violence. On Tuesday, PM Modi was officially awarded the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' by President Putin for his efforts in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Russia. The award was initially announced in 2019. From Moscow, PM Modi traveled to Austria, becoming the first Indian prime minister to visit the country in 41 years. During his stay, he met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehammer to discuss expanding cooperation in various sectors, including environmental protection and combating climate change. They also addressed ongoing global disputes, including the Ukraine conflict and the situation in West Asia. "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. Throughout his trip, PM Modi also addressed the Indian community in both Russia and Austria.
