Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Dr. Christian Stocker, held significant bilateral talks in New Delhi. This visit marks a historic milestone as the first official trip to India by an Austrian Chancellor in 40 years.
During a joint press statement at Hyderabad House, the two leaders focused on the “Strategic Partnership on Migration and Mobility.” This agreement is designed to facilitate the legal movement of skilled Indian workers and students to Austria, addressing labor shortages in the European nation while providing opportunities for the Indian diaspora.
The talks also covered the ongoing crises in West Asia and Ukraine. Modi emphasized that “military conflict cannot resolve problems” and called for a return to diplomacy. Chancellor Stocker echoed these sentiments, noting that as “knowledge-based economies,” both nations must collaborate to navigate the economic shocks caused by regional instability.
Beyond geopolitics, the leaders discussed expanding cooperation in green hydrogen and semiconductor technology. Austria has expressed interest in participating in India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission. The visit concluded with a business forum where Stocker and Modi encouraged private sector collaboration in emerging technologies and sustainable urban development.