New Delhi
25 October 2005
'Architect of modern India' Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's contribution
in shaping their modern-day nation is being fondly recalled as Austrians celebrate the
50th anniversary of becoming an independent state.
Incidentally, October 26 is national day of Austria.
During his visit to Switzerland in 1953, the Austrians sought Pandit Nehru's assistance
and he took the initiative to mediate with the Soviet Union, which eventually led to the
signing of the treaty two years later.
Next year will see Austria succeed the United Kingdom as chair of the European Council.
It is a part of the EU troika, which represents the European Commission and the current
and future presidencies of the European Council.
British High Commissioner Sir Michael Arthur, European Commission Ambassador
Francisco da Camara Gomes and Austrian Ambassador Dr Jutta Stefan-Bastl have just
returned from a tour of J&K including Ladakh.
Sources quoted historians as saying that thanks to Pandit Nehru's initiative of holding
mediatory talks, the Soviet Union returned to the negotiating table in 1953 which led to
the total independence of Austria in 1955.
"Pandit Nehru," they said, "conveyed [to the Soviet Union] that Austria would be ready to
adhere to neutrality if the Soviet Union would agree to a complete withdrawal of its
troops and to total independence of Austria."
That gesture on his allowed Austria to become an independent nation again after the
liberation from the Nazi regime. India in general and Pandit Nehru in particular have
since earned a special place in Austria's history.
Observers said that the visit by Austrian president earlier this year and the functions
organised to mark the occasion would further cement the time-tested bilateral relations
between the two countries.
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