Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Austria is significant, marking the first prime ministerial visit from India to Austria in 41 years. His visit on July 9-10 also coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which were first established in 1949.
The last visit by an Indian Prime was by Late Indira Gandhi in 1983.
Key Focus Areas of the Visit
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Austria is expected to focus on several key areas, including infrastructure, renewable energy, high technology, and startup sectors. The visit will involve restricted delegation-level talks, a high-level business engagement, and an interaction with the Indian community in Vienna.
At a special briefing in New Delhi last week, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra highlighted the potential for bilateral cooperation in these sectors, noting Austria’s strengths in infrastructure and renewable energy. This visit aims to explore new avenues for collaboration and deepen existing ties.
Historical Ties and Diplomatic Relations
India and Austria have shared a long history of diplomatic engagement. In 1953, India played a crucial role in Austria’s negotiations with the Soviet Union, leading to Austria’s independence in 1955. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have since flourished, with several high-level visits and the establishment of the Indo-Austrian Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in 1983. This commission has facilitated over 200 collaborations, including technical collaborations and joint ventures in fields such as steel, manufacturing technology, railway transport, and metallurgy.
Trade between India and Austria is well-balanced, with India exporting electronic goods, textiles, footwear, and machinery, while importing machinery, railway parts, and steel from Austria. Notably, in 2013, India’s PSLV-C20 launched Austria’s first two satellites, TUGSAT-1/BRITE and UniBRITE, showcasing the strong cooperation in space technology.
Recent Interactions and Initiatives
In recent years, the relationship between India and Austria has continued to strengthen. In February 2023, the ‘India-Austria Startup Bridge’ was launched to foster innovation and entrepreneurship between the two nations. This initiative aims to create a robust platform for startups from both countries to collaborate and drive technological advancements.
PM Modi has consistently maintained cordial ties with Austria. During his first term, he met with then-Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern in 2017 on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. In his second term, he met Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg during the COP-26 summit in Glasgow in 2021. These interactions have paved the way for deeper cooperation and mutual understanding.
Indians in Austria
The Indian community in Austria, estimated to be over 31,000 strong, is primarily composed of professionals in the healthcare sector, businessmen, and students. The diaspora, mainly from Kerala and Punjab, is evenly divided between Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). This community plays a vital role in strengthening the cultural and economic ties between the two countries.
Recent High-Level Visits
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Austria from December 2022 to January 2023 set the stage for PM Modi’s visit. During his visit, Jaishankar met with Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Chancellor Karl Nehammer, and President of the National Council Wolfgang Sobotka. Five agreements were signed, covering a wide range of bilateral relations, including political, economic, and consular ties.
Quotes and Statements
Ahead of his visit, PM Modi highlighted the shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law that underpin the relationship between India and Austria. He stated, “I look forward to our discussions on strengthening the bonds between our nations and exploring new avenues of cooperation.”
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer expressed his anticipation of Modi’s visit, stating, “This visit is a special honour as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 40 years and a significant milestone as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations with India.”