Latest news with #Indology
Indian Express
23-06-2025
- Indian Express
‘Come with curiosity and patience… Delhi will reward you with unforgettable memories': Austrian Ambassador
'I've been posted in Delhi for nearly four years, and it has been a fantastic experience' — that's how Katharina Wieser, Austria's Ambassador to India, summed up her experience of living in Delhi. She enjoys a stroll through Lodhi Gardens and says the cultural depth and variety of the city are among the things that have stood out during her stay. Wieser has served as Austria's envoy to India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka since July 2021. A seasoned diplomat with over three decades of experience, she has held key leadership roles in the Austrian Foreign Ministry and the Office of the Austrian Federal President. A passionate advocate for female diplomacy and inclusive leadership, Ambassador Wieser champions multilateralism, gender equity, and constructive global dialogue in her efforts to strengthen Austria's partnerships worldwide. She holds a degree in South Asian Studies (Indology) from the University of Vienna and a post-graduate diploma in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University's Bologna Centre. Wieser speaks to The Indian Express as part of a series of interviews with diplomats about Delhi — their home. Excerpts: One place in the city that you love to visit often? One place I visit often is Lodhi Gardens — it's an oasis amid the bustle. I love the symbiosis of historic architecture and luscious greenery, how you can feel the city breathing there, despite the overwhelming traffic just outside. Three things that stood out in Delhi during your stay? First, the cultural depth and variety — it's rare to find such an enjoyable mix of cultures, of old and new. I celebrate every corner of history that I can explore on my weekend outings. Second, the openness, curiosity, and enthusiasm of the people: wherever one goes, one can always strike up a light-hearted and fun conversation. Third, I'd say the contrasts — the beauty of historic monuments sitting right next to daily urban chaos and poverty. It's fascinating, though at times it can feel overwhelming for newcomers. Does pollution in Delhi bother you? How do you and your family deal with it? Pollution, particularly in winter, is a concern — as it is for many residents. We use air purifiers, avoid outdoor activities during high-pollution days, and try to stay informed. We are very privileged and have the capacity and opportunity to protect ourselves, but many people do not… this issue is surely one of the big challenges of the immediate future. It's a long-term challenge, and tackling it will require both policy and public commitment — not just in Delhi, but across the region. Is there anything you would suggest that Delhi's administrators work on to make this city a better place? Well, yes… while the city has made great strides in areas like Metro connectivity and digitisation, more sustained efforts are needed in waste management, improving air quality, and urban planning. Addressing the burning question of waste and traffic management would make an important contribution to reducing air pollution, and would make visiting Delhi more attractive to tourists as well. How is Delhi different from other major capitals or cities you have served in? What makes Delhi truly unique is the pace and intensity of engagement, and the sheer dimension of both challenges and opportunities. Delhi alone is two to three times the size of Austria in terms of inhabitants, so one has to keep putting everything into perspective. For Austria, this setting has provided fertile ground for strengthening our bilateral ties with India. Over the past few years, we've seen meaningful growth across sectors — be it green technology, higher education, innovation, or cultural exchanges. Favourite food in the city? Ah, the food! It's a culinary journey in itself. I've developed a special liking for South Indian food and love getting a dosa in one of the many great eateries or restaurants, like Carnatic Cafe or Nathu's. But honestly, it's often the home-cooked meals and street food explorations that truly capture the soul of Delhi's food culture. Any memories or meetings from the city that you think will stay with you always? One memory I'll definitely cherish is celebrating Diwali with 'my' Austrian Embassy team, thanks to our wonderful Indian colleagues who organise a traditional celebration with diyas, sweets, (loud) music, and lots of laughter and dancing every year! And as one example of the many cultural events organised by the Cultural Forum of the Austrian Embassy, I will always remember the screening of the movie, Mehrunisa, which tells a beautiful story about an 80-year old actress — played by the iconic Farrukh Jaffar — standing up for herself and against patriarchal reflexes in the Indian film industry. It is a movie by an Austrian director (Sandeep Kumar) with Indian roots, shot entirely on location in Hindi in India, and produced in Austria. The screening at the Austrian residence (on the occasion of International Women's Day) was a beautiful example of the power of the new and inspiring people-to-people connections coming up between Austria and India! If you have to introduce Delhi to someone back home, what will you tell them? I would say Delhi is not only a city — it's an experience. It's chaotic and challenging, beautiful and green, exhausting and exhilarating, all at once. I'd tell them if you come here with curiosity and patience, Delhi will reward you with unforgettable memories. But you should also be prepared for some sensory overload and a crash course in urban resilience. Is there anything that you or your family would miss once you say goodbye? Without a doubt, we'll miss the people. Delhiites have a warmth, openness, and generosity that has really touched me. We'll also miss the festivals, the cultural events, the markets — and perhaps even the unpredictability of life here! I have formed friendships that go beyond diplomacy, and those personal connections are what make a place truly feel like home.
Hans India
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
PM Modi Wraps Up Croatia Visit After Key Talks With Top Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded his landmark visit to Croatia, marking the final leg of his three-nation diplomatic tour that included stops in Cyprus and Canada. Mr. Modi, who became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Croatia, held in-depth discussions with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and President Zoran Milanovic. The talks focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. He was welcomed personally by PM Plenković upon his arrival in Zagreb. During the visit, the leaders committed to intensifying the pace of bilateral ties, particularly emphasizing long-term plans for defence collaboration. Accompanying Mr. Modi were key Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. India and Croatia signed four memoranda of cooperation in fields such as agriculture, cultural exchange, and scientific research. A significant MoU was also signed between the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the University of Zagreb to promote Indology studies. Mr. Modi's Croatian stop followed his participation in the G7 Summit in Canada, where he called for global accountability against terrorism, directly criticizing Pakistan for fostering cross-border terror. He also urged G7 nations not to overlook the terror threats emanating from South Asia. Before Canada, PM Modi visited Cyprus, where he held comprehensive talks with President Nikos Christodoulides. In a symbolic gesture, both leaders viewed Turkish-controlled mountains near Nicosia — a pointed signal toward Turkiye, which had recently voiced support for Pakistan during the conflict with India. Meanwhile, this international trip marked Modi's first foreign engagement following Operation Sindoor, during which India launched precision strikes on terrorist facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Mint
19-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
‘I felt at home,' PM Modi on Croatia visit, discusses trade, defence, tech with counterpart Andrej Plenkovic
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Croatian counterpart, Andrej Plenkovic, on Wednesday to discuss bilateral relations in Zagreb, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed. PM Modi's visit to Croatia is a part of his three-nation visit, including Cyprus and Canada, for the G7 Summit. 'I am happy that I got the opportunity to come to this beautiful city of Zagreb. Even though this visit is a small one, I got to experience the city's culture, people's lifestyle, and warmth. I felt at home,' ANI quoted PM Modi. 'Today was an important milestone in our bilateral relations. We made many important decisions that will strengthen India-Croatia relations and open new avenues for working together in many areas,' he added. PM Modi further thanked Croatia in a post on the social media platform X and wrote, 'Grateful to the people and Government of Croatia for the warm welcome during what has been a truly landmark visit. This visit ushers in a new chapter in our shared journey of friendship and extensive cooperation.' Highlighting growing bilateral ties between India and Croatia, Plenkovic was quoted by ANI saying, "As we raise our glasses this evening, let us celebrate the enduring friendship. He further added, 'May our partnership continue to flourish, rooted in trust, mutual respect and shared ambition. May our peoples continue to learn from one another, to inspire one another, and to walk together on the path of innovation, understanding and peace. And may the future we build togetherthe art shared success. To the help of Prime Minister Modi. To the friendship between Croatia and India. And to the bright road ahead. Jai Hind.' In the discussions held on Wednesday, both leaders discussed trade and investment, science and technology, defence and security, space, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties, MEA stated. They explored the potential to improve collaboration in infrastructure, ports and shipping, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and hospitality. Among the other key factors that could bring people of both countries closer are the increasing popularity of Indian culture, Indology, and Yoga in Croatia. Following the visit to Croatia, PM Modi has become the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to travel to this Central European nation. Both countries signed four MoUs, broadly covering sectors such as agriculture and allied sectors, science and technology, a cultural exchange program, and the extension of the Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb, MEA Secretary (West) Tanmay Lal informed in a press briefing. The leaders also discussed security challenges, where PM Modi specifically mentioned counter-terrorism efforts and thanked Croatia for its support and solidarity after the deadly Pahalgam terror attacks.
India Gazette
19-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
PM Modi, Croatian PM hold wide-ranging talks to boost bilateral ties
Zagreb [Croatia], June 19 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic held delegation-level talks in Zagreb on Wednesday, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stating that the leaders engaged in 'wide-ranging discussions on various aspects of the bilateral partnership.' According to the MEA, the two leaders reviewed key areas of cooperation including trade and investment, science and technology, defence and security, space, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties. They agreed on the substantial potential to enhance collaboration in infrastructure, ports and shipping, digitalization, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and hospitality. The MEA further noted the increasing popularity of Indian culture, Indology, and Yoga in Croatia, calling it a key factor in bringing the peoples of both nations closer. PM Modi conveyed his greetings to yoga enthusiasts in Croatia ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21. Prime Minister Modi's maiden visit to Croatia marks a historic moment, being the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Central European nation. The MEA described it as a milestone in the India-Croatia partnership, reflecting growing ties in the context of the India-EU Strategic Partnership. In a press briefing, MEA Secretary (West) Tanmay Lal said one of the key outcomes of the visit was the signing of four MoUs--covering cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors, science and technology, a cultural exchange program, and the extension of the Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb. 'The two leaders then welcomed the signing of four documents... including a cultural exchange program and an MoU on Hindi Chair at University of Zagreb,' said Lal. PM Modi and PM Plenkovic also discussed strengthening bilateral trade and enhancing supply chain resilience. The MEA said both sides looked forward to the early conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement to advance these objectives. Addressing regional and global developments, the leaders exchanged views on current conflicts and security challenges. Counter-terrorism emerged as a key issue, with PM Modi thanking Croatia for its support and solidarity following the terror attacks in Pahalgam. The two leaders also agreed to deepen innovation and entrepreneurship through the India-Croatia Startup Bridge Initiative, first launched in 2021. They committed to building on previous collaboration, especially in AI, green tech, and robotics, and to formulating a long-term Defence Cooperation Plan with a focus on training, military exchange, and defence industry partnerships. Speaking on this cooperation, Lal said, 'The leaders agreed to explore increased collaboration in defence, building upon the MoU that was signed two years ago.' In a joint statement, PM Modi said India would share its space experience with Croatia and promote academic collaborations. He added that Croatian companies would find opportunities in India's port modernization and coastal zone development under the Sagarmala Project. 'Our centuries-old cultural relations are the root of mutual affection and goodwill,' said PM Modi. 'We have decided to give more strength to our cultural and people-to-people relations. The MoU on the Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb has been extended till 2030, and a new five-year cultural exchange program has been prepared.' PM Modi also expressed gratitude to the Croatian government for the warm welcome and noted that both India and Croatia are guided by shared values such as democracy, pluralism, and the rule of law. 'It is a happy coincidence that the people of both India and Croatia have given us the opportunity to serve a third consecutive term,' he said. (ANI)
The Hindu
19-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
PM Modi concludes visit to Croatia after meeting top leadership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (June 18, 2025) concluded his visit to Croatia, where he held talks with the Balkan nation's top leadership on a range of issues to boost bilateral ties. Mr. Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Croatia, was here on the last leg of his three-nation tour. "PM @narendramodi emplanes for New Delhi after concluding three-nation tour to Cyprus, Canada and Croatia," the PMO posted on X. The Prime Minister arrived in Zagreb earlier in the day and was received by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković at the airport. Mr. Modi held delegation-level talks with Plenković and met President Zoran Milanovic to discuss a range of issues to boost bilateral ties. Mr. Modi said he and his Croatian counterpart have decided to give a "three-time" pace to the bilateral ties and said a plan would be made to boost defence cooperation between the two countries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were present during the talks. The two nations also signed four memoranda of cooperation in the areas of agriculture, culture, and science. Another memorandum was signed between the ICCR and the University of Zagreb, related to the study of Indology. He reached Croatia from Canada, where he attended the G7 summit and held talks with several world leaders. In his address at the Summit, the Prime Minister told the leaders of the seven-nation bloc that India's neighbourhood has become a breeding ground for terrorism and turning a blind eye towards the challenge would be a "betrayal of humanity". He also sought action against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorist activities. He had earlier visited Cyprus as part of the tour, where he held wide-ranging talks with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides. During his visit, Modi and Christodoulides also viewed from atop a building the mountains near Nicosia, which are under Turkish control, signalling a message to Turkiye, which had openly supported Pakistan during the recent conflict with India. Mr. Modi's visit to Cyprus assumed significance in the wake of the island nation's strained ties with Turkiye. This was his first foreign visit after India carried out Operation Sindoor in May during which it destroyed terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in retaliation to the Pahalgam attack. During his visit, Mr. Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III of Cyprus, the country's highest civilian honour.
