Kamal Ghorui
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in New Delhi’s Hyderabad House on Thursday, holding wide-ranging talks as the two sides exchanged MoUs. Stocker is currently on a four-day visit to India, his first since taking office last year. According to the ministry of external affairs, the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across sectors including trade, investment, technology, renewable energy and cultural exchanges. The two sides also discussed regional and global developments and explored coordination in multilateral forums. After the meeting the two sides also exchanged the MoUs (Memorandum of understanding). PM Modi also hailed the historic India-EU FTA, saying that it marked a new golden chapter New Delhi’s relations with the bloc.Speaking at a joint press conference, PM Modi welcomed Chancellor Stocker, saying, “I extend a warm welcome to you on your first visit to India. We are delighted that you chose India for your first trip outside Europe. This reflects your vision and your commitment to India–Austria relations. After four decades, the visit of an Austrian Chancellor to India is extremely significant. Following the historic India–European Union Free Trade Agreement in 2026, a new golden chapter has begun in the relations between India and the European Union.”The Prime Minister further highlighted the challenging global circumstances shaping the discussions. He said, “Today, the entire world is going through a very serious and tense situation, and its impact is being felt by all of us. In such a challenging global environment, India and Austria are in agreement that solutions cannot be found through conflict. Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, we support a stable, sustainable, and lasting peace. We also agree that reform of global institutions is essential to address rising global challenges. Eliminating terrorism from its roots is our shared commitment.”He added, “… Chancellor Stoker’s visit will inject new energy into trade and investments… We will combine Austria’s expertise with India’s speed and scale to ensure reliable technology and supply chains for the entire world. We will also strengthen our partnership in defense, semiconductor, quantum, and biotechnology… The MoU signed today between IIT Delhi and Austria’s Montan University is a shining example of this knowledge action... In 2023, we signed a comprehensive migration and mobility agreement with Austria. Now, under this agreement, we will also advance mobility in the nursing sector. We will also strengthen joint research and startup collaboration… We are also launching the India-Austria Working Holiday Program today… India and Austria are unanimous in this tense global environment that military conflict cannot solve problems. Be it Ukraine or West Asia, we support a stable, sustainable, lasting peace.”Earlier, the Austrian Chancellor paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. The MEA said, “Remembering Bapu and his ideals. Federal Chancellor Dr. Christian Stocker of Austria paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, laying a wreath and reflecting on Gandhiji’s enduring message of peace, non-violence and global harmony.”Ahead of the bilateral meeting, EAM S Jaishankar met Chancellor Stocker and described the interaction as productive. In a post on X, he said, “Delighted to call on Federal Chancellor Dr Christian Stocker of Austria, as he begins his first official visit to India.” He added, “Confident that his discussions with PM Narendra Modi tomorrow will open new avenues for greater cooperation across various domains.”The Austrian leader is visiting India at the invitation of PM Modi and is accompanied by a delegation that includes Federal Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism Dr Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, along with senior officials and business representatives. An exchange of memoranda of understanding followed the talks, along with press statements, while the Prime Minister is set to host a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary.The visit comes as part of ongoing high-level engagement between India and Austria, following PM Modi’s visit to Austria in July 2024, and reflects a shared intent to expand cooperation in priority and emerging sectors.
