India and Austria have taken a significant step forward in strengthening their bilateral relations, announcing 15 key outcomes and agreeing to establish a Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism during Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker’s official visit to India. The visit is being seen as a major milestone, especially as it comes after a gap of four decades since the last visit by an Austrian Chancellor.

During a special media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George highlighted the importance of the visit and described it as highly productive. He said, "At the invitation of PM Modi, the Federal Chancellor is on an official visit to India, which is his first visit to India in four decades. The last visit by an Austrian chancellor was in 1984. He is accompanied by a high-level business delegation. He will call on the President (Droupadi Murmu) at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in the evening. This is a very substantive and productive visit."

The discussions between the two countries covered a wide range of areas, including economic cooperation and technology. Sibi George noted that both sides exchanged six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and made several announcements, with a joint statement expected to follow. He said, "Today, the leaders discussed all issues. Both sides exchanged six MoUs. Both sides made several announcements. A joint statement will be issued shortly. Leading business companies from Austria and Indian companies in Austria will be participating in the business forum. India and Austria enjoy a close and friendly relationship. India and Austria have a growing economic partnership. High technology is identified as a central pillar of our partnership. Bilateral trade is around USD 3.5 billion."

The partnership also focuses on mobility, education, and cybersecurity. Referring to previous agreements and future cooperation, George said, "India and Austria signed a comprehensive migration and mobility agreement in 2023. Austria is a valued partner, and we would like to enhance our partnership in various sectors. Cyber security dialogue is important, which we have agreed to. It will help us enhance that cooperation and also institutionalise that. We now see a rising number of Indian students coming to Austria."

Counter-terrorism and global security were key topics of discussion during the visit. Both nations strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism. George stated, "Both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and also cross-border terrorism. Leaders condemned attacks in Pahalgam, Red Fort, and the financing of terrorism. Both leaders discussed core issues in West Asia and Ukraine. Two sides also discussed West Asia. They underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, including maritime security."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the press along with Chancellor Stocker and emphasised the strong cooperation between the two countries. He pointed out that Austria’s technological strength, combined with India’s scale and speed, can help create reliable global supply chains and advanced technology systems. He also highlighted Austria’s contribution to major infrastructure projects in India, including metro systems, railway development, and engineering projects such as the Atal Tunnel and the Girnar ropeway.

The Prime Minister said, "India and Austria have been reliable partners in infrastructure, innovation, and sustainability. Whether it's the Delhi Metro or the Atal Tunnel built at an altitude of 10,000 feet in the Himalayas, Austria's tunnelling expertise has left its strong mark. Not only this, from railway projects to the Girnar ropeway in Gujarat, from clean energy to urban development, Austrian companies have been active participants in many engineering projects in India."

Looking ahead, both countries aim to expand their cooperation in key sectors such as defence, semiconductors, quantum technologies, and biotechnology. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the visit would give new momentum to trade and investment ties. He said, "Chancellor Stocker's visit will bring new energy to trade and investment. We are very happy that he has come to India with a large vision and a large business delegation. By combining Austria's expertise with India's speed and scale, we will ensure reliable technology and supply chains for the whole world. We will also strengthen our partnership in defence, semiconductors, quantum, and biotechnology. Along with this, we will also further strengthen engineering and technical education cooperation."

Overall, the visit marks a new phase in India-Austria relations, with a clear focus on technology, security, trade, and global cooperation. The agreements and discussions during this visit are expected to deepen ties and open new avenues for collaboration in the coming years.