Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India and Austria are set to deepen cooperation in key future-facing sectors including defence, semiconductors, quantum technology and biotechnology, as both countries look to align capabilities in a rapidly changing global landscape.
The announcement came during a joint press interaction with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, whose visit to India after four decades is being seen as a reset moment in bilateral ties, especially against the backdrop of evolving India-European Union engagement and global supply chain shifts.
PM Modi underlined that the partnership would combine Austria’s technical expertise with India’s scale and execution capacity to build reliable supply chains for the world.
“India and Austria have remained trustworthy partners in infrastructure, innovation and sustainability. Be it the Delhi Metro or the Atal Tunnel, Austria’s tunnelling expertise has made a strong impact…From green energy to urban development, Austrian companies have been actively contributing to India’s engineering projects,” he said.
“Chancellor Stocker’s visit will bring new enthusiasm in trade and investment. We are glad that he has come to India with a big 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 entire world. We will also strengthen our partnership in the areas of defence, semiconductors, quantum, and biotechnology,” the PM added.
Why Stocker’s visit matters for India-Europe ties
Welcoming the Austrian leader, Modi pointed out that Stocker’s decision to choose India as his first destination outside Europe reflects the priority Vienna is placing on ties with New Delhi.
“We are pleased that India is your first destination outside Europe. This reflects your strong commitment to your vision and to strengthening India–Austria relations. The Austrian Chancellor’s visit to India after four decades is highly significant. Following the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement, a new chapter has begun in India–EU relations. Through Chancellor Stocker’s visit, we are taking India–Austria ties into a new era.”
The Prime Minister also announced steps to boost people-to-people and workforce linkages, including mobility in the healthcare sector and youth exchange initiatives.
“India’s talent has the potential to enhance Austria’s innovation and productivity. In 2023, we signed a Migration and Mobility Agreement with Austria. Under this framework, we will now promote mobility in the nursing sector. We will further boost joint research and startup cooperation. To encourage youth exchange, we are launching the India–Austria Working Holiday Programme.”
Call for global stability amid rising tensions
Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, Modi stressed the need for peace and institutional reforms, saying both countries share similar views on global conflicts.
“Today, the entire world is passing through a very serious and tense situation. Its impact is being felt on all of us. In such a tense global environment, India and Austria are in agreement that military conflict cannot resolve problems. Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, we support stable, sustainable, and lasting peace. We also agree that reforming global institutions is essential for addressing the growing global challenges, and eradicating terrorism is our shared commitment.”