Russia-Ukraine conflict is matter of deep concern: S Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that Russia-Ukraine conflict is a matter of deep concern. In an interaction with the Indian diaspora in Vienna, Austria, he said India is on the side of peace and therefore has been urging both the countries to return to dialogue and diplomacy. Dr Jaishankar said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had declared in September that this is no longer an era of war, where you should settle differences and issues through violence and conflict.

Dr Jaishankar held meeting with Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Vienna and said both sides agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation. In a tweet, Dr. Jaishankar informed that he thanked Chancellor Karl Nehammer for receiving him and conveyed the personal greetings of PM Narendra Modi. He appreciated his insights on European Union policies and the Ukraine conflict and discussed the



Indo-Pacific and West Asia. They agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation and value Austria's support towards the improvement of India-EU ties, Dr. Jaishankar added.  

Earlier yesterday, Dr. Jaishankar held talks with Bulgarian President Rumen Georgiev Radev in Vienna. In a tweet, Dr Jaishankar informed that they discussed strengthening of cooperation in the context of Make in India, near-shoring and building resilient supply chains between the countries.

Dr Jaishankar also held his first diplomatic engagement of the year with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. The Minister thanked his Austrian counterpart for inviting them to join the traditional New Year’s concert in Vienna.

This is the first EAM-level visit from India to Austria in the last 27 years.