India, Austria Strengthen Strategic Ties: PM Modi Meets Chancellor Stocker, Signs Key Agreements in New Delhi

New Delhi, India — April 16, 2026

India and Austria took a major step toward strengthening bilateral relations as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held high-level talks with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in New Delhi on Thursday.

The meeting, held at Hyderabad House, focused on expanding cooperation across key sectors including trade, technology, defense, and innovation. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the talks, followed by a joint press statement outlining shared priorities.

Senior Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, were also present at the discussions.

Strengthening Trade, Technology, and Innovation

Addressing the media, Prime Minister Modi described Chancellor Stocker’s visit as a catalyst for boosting economic ties and strategic cooperation.

“This visit will bring new energy to trade and investment between India and Austria,” Modi said, highlighting plans to enhance collaboration in emerging sectors.

Both countries agreed to deepen partnerships in advanced fields such as semiconductors, quantum computing, and biotechnology. The leaders also emphasized strengthening global supply chains to deliver reliable solutions amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

A notable development includes a collaboration between IIT Delhi and Austria’s Montanuniversität Leoben, aimed at advancing academic and research exchanges.

In addition, both sides committed to expanding cooperation in research, startups, and workforce mobility. Building on the 2023 Migration and Mobility Agreement, the two countries will facilitate greater movement of professionals, particularly in the nursing sector.

A newly launched “Working Holiday Program” is also expected to create opportunities for youth from both nations to gain international exposure.

Shared Stand on Global Conflicts

Amid rising global tensions, both leaders underscored the importance of diplomacy and dialogue.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated that conflicts cannot be resolved through war, referencing ongoing crises in Ukraine and the Middle East. India and Austria expressed unified support for peace, stability, and multilateral cooperation.

The leaders also called for reforms in global institutions and reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism.

Chancellor Stocker’s First India Visit

Earlier in the day, Chancellor Stocker paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, laying a wreath at the memorial.

This marks Stocker’s first visit to India—and Asia—since assuming office in 2025. The four-day trip is seen as a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at elevating India-Austria relations.

On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met the Austrian leader and described the engagement as a “major step forward” in strengthening bilateral ties, expressing optimism about future cooperation.