Austria National Day: India Stresses Stronger Economic Ties

New Delhi, October 26: Monday saw India renew its pledge to bolster ties with Austria. The two countries expressed interest in increasing collaboration across trade, investment, defence, technology, innovation and people-to-people contacts.

Foreign Ministry Secretary (West) Sibi George led the Indian delegation as chief guest at the National Day ceremony of Austria. He conveyed warm wishes from India to the Austrian government and citizens.

In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that George had represented India at the celebration and reiterated India's commitment to deepening bilateral ties. The ministry added that recent high-level interactions have created a positive environment, which both nations now want to build upon. The focus will be on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defence, technology, innovation and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Austria's Minister for European and International Affairs, will make an official trip to India between October 27 and November 2. The ministry made the announcement on Monday. In New Delhi, she is set to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House on Wednesday to discuss bilateral issues.

The Austrian minister will later participate in various programmes in Jaipur from October 29 to November 2. Earlier on Monday, Jaishankar congratulated Meinl-Reisinger, the Austrian government and its people on the occasion of National Day. He said India was wholeheartedly committed to further strengthening its existing partnership with Austria.

In an earlier engagement on October 6, George held talks with Austria's National Security Advisor, Peter Vorhofer. The discussion covered security and strategic cooperation, including measures to enhance counter-terrorism collaboration. Regional and global issues were also part of the exchange of views.

Recent years have seen India and Austria expand their political and strategic dialogue, which has injected new energy into bilateral relations. Both countries are now moving ahead to broaden cooperation in economic, technological and security fields.