India has expressed “very deep concern” over the ongoing Ukraine conflict and urged Russia and Ukraine to resolve their differences by diplomacy and dialogue, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday in Vienna.
Underlining this message, he said, “My Prime Minister has been in contact with leaders of both nations, pressing our point of view in that regard. We're also anxious about effects of conflict on accessibility and affordability of fuel, food and fertilizers. This is a growing concern for global south.” The minister enunciated these views after holding bilateral meeting with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg.
This was the first foreign minister-level visit from India to Austria in the last 27 years and takes place against the backdrop of 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2023. Schallenberg visited India in March 2022, and the two ministers have met thrice this year on the margins of international gatherings (Munich, Bratislava and New York).
Giving details of his talks, Jaishankar said India and Austria also reviewed the security situation in the world in the backdrop of terrorism.
In an apparent reference to Pakistan, Jaishankar said, “We spoke on the threats to international peace and security that are posed by terrorism, including its cross-border practices, violent extremism, radicalization and fundamentalism. Their effects cannot be contained within a region.
“...especially so when they are deeply connected to narcotics and illegal weapons trade, and other forms of international crime. Since the epicentre is located so close to India, naturally our experiences and insights are useful to others.”
On economic relations, the minister noted at present India and Austria have a trade turnover of approximately $2.5 billion. Over 150 Austrian companies are present in India. “We'd like those numbers to grow substantially. I'm glad to note that India's presence in Austrian economy has grown substantially,” he said.
The two countries have currently trade turnover of approximately USD 2.5 billion. More than 150 Australian companies are present in India. "We would like those numbers also to grow," the minister said.
Flagging issues of national security during his address to the Indian diaspora on late Sunday in Vienna, Jaishankar said there are profound changes.
"Much of it is centred around the intense challenges we face on our northern border with China. We continue to have the problem of cross-border terrorism with Pakistan,” he said.
This remark came in the backdrop of Indian and Chinese troops’ recent clash along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9. It resulted in "minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides", according to the Indian Army.
Terming India's G20 Presidency a “very big deal” while interacting with the Indian diaspora, Jaishankar said the country has taken up the responsibility to host the meetings of the powerful grouping at a time when there is great economic stress on the global supply chains and strong political polarisation in the world. Jaishankar said India intends to use its presidency for the benefit of the international community.
He also said millets are far healthier than rice and wheat one eats daily and offer a completely different value proposition at a time when there is a worry about a global food shortage.
The government announced on January 1 it has lined up a series of millet-centric promotional activities across the country as the International Year of Millets (IYM) kicks in.