PM Modi’s First Visit to Austria in Over 40 Years

Strengthening Ties with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer

New Delhi, India, July 5: After his visit to Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Austria from July 9-10. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Austria in over 40 years. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra expressed confidence that this trip will broaden the scope of the partnership between India and Austria and address issues of regional and global importance.

During a special briefing, Foreign Secretary Kwatra stated, “The visit will allow us to discuss various areas of importance in bilateral engagement as well as issues of regional and global importance of mutual interest.”

Prime Minister Modi will visit Austria at the invitation of Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. This will be his first visit to Austria, although he met the then Austrian Chancellor, now Foreign Minister, Alexander Schallenberg, in October 2021 during COP26 in Glasgow.

During his visit, PM Modi will meet Austria’s President, Alexander Van der Bellen, and hold delegation-level talks with officials. The visit will include a ceremonial welcome, high-level business engagements, and discussions on cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy, high technology, start-ups, and media and entertainment.

Austria is a key country in Central Europe and hosts important international organizations like the International Atomic Energy Agency, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

In February 2024, a new initiative called the “starter bridge” was launched between India and Austria, showing positive results. Additionally, both countries signed a comprehensive agreement on migration and mobility. Investment linkages between the two nations continue to grow, with several Austrian companies having a presence in India.