India, Austria to deepen ties in defence, technology: PM Modi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced a major push to strengthen India-Austria ties across key sectors, including defence, semiconductors and quantum technology, during a joint press statement with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in New Delhi.
Welcoming the Austrian leader on his first visit to India, PM Modi said, “We are delighted that you chose India for your first trip outside of Europe. This reflects your vision and your commitment to India-Austria relations.”
Highlighting the significance of the visit, the Prime Minister noted, “The visit of an Austrian Chancellor to India after four decades is of immense significance… With Chancellor Stocker’s visit, we are taking India-Austria relations into a new era as well.”
Referring to growing India-Europe engagement, PM Modi added, “Following the historic India-European Union Free Trade Agreement of 2026, a new golden chapter has begun in the relations between India and the European Union.”
Strong economic and infrastructure partnership
Emphasising long-standing collaboration, PM Modi said, “India and Austria have been reliable partners in infrastructure, innovation, and sustainability.” He highlighted Austria’s contribution to key projects, adding, “Whether it is the Delhi Metro or the Atal Tunnel built at an altitude of ten thousand feet in the Himalayas, Austria’s tunneling expertise has left a strong mark.”
He further noted, “Austrian companies have been active partners in several of India’s engineering projects – ranging from railway projects to the Girnar Ropeway in Gujarat, and from clean energy to urban development.”
Focus on technology, trade and education
On economic cooperation, PM Modi said the visit would inject fresh momentum into trade and investment ties. “Chancellor Stocker’s visit will bring new energy to trade and investment. We are very pleased that he has come to India with a grand vision and a large business delegation,” he said.
Underscoring future collaboration, the Prime Minister stated, “By combining Austria’s expertise with India’s speed and scale, we will ensure reliable technology and supply chains for the entire world.”
He added, “We will also strengthen our partnership in defense, semiconductors, quantum technology, and biotechnology.”
Highlighting academic cooperation, PM Modi said, “Additionally, we will further fortify our cooperation in engineering and technical education. The MOU being signed today between IIT Delhi and Austria’s Montan University is a shining example of this knowledge exchange.”
Mobility, talent and youth exchange
On people-to-people ties, PM Modi said, “India’s talent has the potential to enhance Austria’s innovation and productivity.”
He noted the expansion of mobility cooperation, stating, “In 2023, we signed a comprehensive Migration and Mobility Agreement with Austria. Under this agreement, we will now expand mobility within the nursing sector as well.”
Announcing a new initiative, PM Modi said, “We will also strengthen joint research and start-up cooperation. To promote youth exchange, we are launching the India-Austria Working Holiday Programme today.”
Call for peace and global reforms
Addressing global challenges, the Prime Minister said, “Today, the entire world is passing through a very serious and tense situation, the impact of which is being felt by all of us.”
He emphasised diplomacy over conflict, stating, “In such a strained global atmosphere, India and Austria are in agreement that military conflicts cannot resolve problems.”
Referring to ongoing conflicts, PM Modi added, “Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, we support a stable, sustainable, and lasting peace.”
He also underlined the need for systemic reforms, saying, “We also agree that to address rising global challenges, the reform of Global Institutions is mandatory. Furthermore, rooting out terrorism remains our shared commitment.”
Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister expressed optimism about the future of bilateral ties, stating, “Let us make the India-Austria partnership innovation-centric and future-ready.”
(DD News)
