PM Modi calls Austrian Chancellor’s India visit ‘historic’ as trade, tech and defence ties deepen; €3 billion bilateral trade in focus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 16 welcomed Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, marking the first such visit in four decades and signalling a push to deepen economic and technology ties.

The talks centred on expanding cooperation in innovation, trade and sustainability, with both sides exchanging an MoU on food safety and Letters of Intent on military cooperation and a joint working group on counter-terrorism—frameworks that typically precede stronger commercial engagement.

Taking to social media after the meeting, Modi said, “Held very productive discussions with Chancellor Stocker of Austria. We in India are glad that he selected our nation as his first destination to visit outside Europe after he assumed office. This reflects his vision and commitment to India-Austria relations. Equally special is the fact that this is the first visit by an Austrian Chancellor in four decades. His visit also comes in the wake of the historic India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which has ushered in a new chapter in India-EU ties.”

He added, “Our talks today covered ways to deepen cooperation in areas such as innovation, infrastructure and sustainability. We are committed to adding new energy in trade and investment linkages. Sectors like defence, semiconductors, futuristic technologies and StartUps present immense potential for closer relations. I am confident that the India-Austria partnership will get even more innovation-centric and future-ready.”

High-value sectors in focus

At a joint briefing, Modi described Austria as a “reliable partner” in infrastructure, innovation and sustainability, adding the visit will boost trade and investment.

The engagement expanded into semiconductors, quantum technologies, biotechnology and defence—areas central to India’s push up the manufacturing value chain. Modi said India’s scale and talent, paired with Austrian expertise, can deliver “reliable technology for the world.” He also announced an India-Austria Working Holiday Programme to promote youth mobility.

Austria eyes India opportunity

Stocker termed the visit a “milestone,” noting bilateral trade has risen steadily to about €3 billion over the past decade, underscoring India’s importance as a partner outside the European Union. Around 160 Austrian firms are active in India across semiconductors, renewable energy, automotive and infrastructure, reflecting a broad-based economic relationship.

Highlighting India’s ~7% growth, he described it as a dynamic market and a key strategic partner amid shifting geopolitical alignments.

The visit comes as India deepens integration with European markets and global supply chains diversify. For businesses, the focus will be on how quickly diplomatic momentum translates into investments, technology partnerships and market access.