Modi in Austria
By Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Giri
Secy Gen, Assn for Democratic Socialism
Prime Minister Modi stayed in Vienna from 9-10 July on his way back from Russia. Remarkably, the visit took place after 41 years of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s visit to that country. The Indian Diaspora in Austria was ecstatic about it. This was also significant inasmuch as it contributed to the process of cultivating Europe. This is in line with the Indian Foreign Policy strategy vis-à-vis the big powers of the world. Somehow, Prime Minister’s stopover in Vienna was overshadowed by his high-profile visit to Russia – meeting his friend Putin, the warm hug and all that went with it.
Pertinent to remember what the Foreign Minister said about dealing with the big powers, “India’s great power strategy is about engaging America, managing China, reassuring Russia, cultivating Europe and drawing in Japan”, a profound strategic statement that signifies one of the major shifts in India’s foreign policy in the decade since 2014. The shift consists of elevating Europe, including the United Kingdom to a higher strategic profile. In the 1960s and 70s, when Europe was integrating into a supranational entity, which is now known as the European Union, India was wary of Europe’s revival. Europe had a colonial past and a capitalist mode of production that continues to frighten countries of the South. Pt. Nehru was dismissive of the European integration and called it a ‘capitalist club’.
For quite some time, Europe represented to India as the epicentre of the ‘end of history’ with its overwhelming focus on economic integration instead of building a political profile and engaging in geo-political competition. For large parts, its foreign policy was being supportive and subservient to the United States. The situation did not change much even after the Cold War, despite India readjusting its foreign policy and Europe wanting to emerge as a major geo-political player in the world. India did not focus on Europe’s strategic potential and Europe was pre-occupied with its integration process that looked at China for enhancing its trade and economy, which was still its driving force.
A disconnect between India and Europe was odd for both as they had great natural similarities to come together. The European Union is a kind of federal set up consisting of 28 countries, now 27 after the enigmatic exit of Britain. The Union of India has a similar structure consisting of 28 states. However, the predominance of economy in the European Union and that of politics in Union of India is what kept them apart.
The dramatic shifts in great power relations somewhat compelled India and Europe to reconnect. India has welcomed Europe’s increasing interest in Indo-Pacific while European Union’s characterisation of belligerent China as a systemic threat has provided new opportunities for geo-economic convergence. Europe now views India as a counterweight and as an alternative market to China for European exports, while India finds Europe as an alternative source for imports of technology and defence equipment. India and Europe together aim at contributing to the growing multi-polarity in world politics.
Referring to India’s bilateral relations with individual countries, New Delhi’s engagement with Rome is emblematic of the change of India’s relations with Europe. Prime Minister Modi had direct contact with Italian Prime Minister, Ms Giorgia Meloni and this has been hailed in social media as a portmanteau called ‘melodi’. Likewise, Germany has emerged as a significant defence partner on top of already being India’s largest trade partner. France is arguably the most trusted partner India has today in the West. Paris is less interested in meddling in India’s internal affairs while supporting New Delhi on security issues and transferring advance military technology. With this we have, India is soon going to sign the FTA and the new government in Britain should hasten the process. An India-EU FTA is also on the cards.
The above premise on India-Europe relation should provide as the prism to view the PM’s visit to Austria. The visit coincided with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Austria. One of the high points of the relations was perhaps the Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky receiving the Nehru award from the government of India for statesmanship and world peace. Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Nehammer stressed the need for democratic countries like India and Austria to come together for regional and international peace. Two leaders agreed to enhance the partnership on economic and technological collaboration especially green and digital technology, renewable energy, water management, life sciences, smart cities, mobility and transportation.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted in his speech the transformative progress achieved by India during his tenure of last ten years and asserted that India will become the third largest economy in the nearest future. He reckons that it should happen during his Prime Ministership. Modi talked about Austrian expertise in green growth and innovation which would be handy for India given its high-growth trajectory and globally reputed start-up eco system.
Among other agreements, skilled development and mobility of skilled workers is seen as promising from India’s point of view. As the largest population in the world, New Delhi should constantly strive to relocate its demography by enabling people to work abroad and earn foreign currency. In that sense, the bilateral migration and mobility agreement is facilitating exchanges of people while combating illegal migration. Another interesting development is the Prime Minister’s initiative in generating interest in Yoga and Ayurveda in Austria. This goes with promoting cultural ties and tourism. In his speech, Prime Minister emphasised India’s contribution to world peace and presentation of its image as vishwa guru. He said, “We have claim to be vishwa guru because we gave the world Lord Buddha not yuddha (war)”.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit has enhanced the image of Austria amongst Indians as a developed European country. Many people may not remember that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose married an Austrian woman during his sojourn or self-exile to Europe. Members of Indian Diaspora were desperately imploring that Austria should not be confused with the continent or country called Australia. While they were excited about Prime Minister’s visit after four decades, they were pleading that it should not take another 40 years for an Indian Prime Minister’s visit to the country.
Prime Minister’s visit to Austria adds one more brick to the edifice of growing bilateralism between India and Europe. Both India and Europe are on a growth path; India wanting to build its economy as Europe its political profile. Europe has become a central point in India’s strategy and expectation for a multi-polar world. It can sustain Europe’s interest in India as an alternative market to China only by creating a robust investment and manufacturing climate. The onus therefore is more on India than on Europe. — INFA