India-Austria Ties in Focus as Meinl-Reisinger Plans Visit

India and Austria are set to deepen their diplomatic engagement with a high-level visit by Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger. The official visit will take place from October 27 to November 2, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.

Meinl-Reisinger, who serves as Austria's Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, will begin her programme in New Delhi. On Wednesday, she will meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House to discuss the bilateral relationship.

Her schedule also includes engagements in Jaipur from October 29 to November 2, after she completes her work in the national capital.

The upcoming visit has been preceded by warm diplomatic exchanges. Jaishankar sent his greetings on Austria's National Day, expressing his commitment to advancing the enhanced partnership between the two countries. In a post on X, he said India was dedicated to strengthening its strong partnership with Austria.

On October 6, Secretary (West) Sibi George met National Security Advisor Peter Vorhofer of Austria at the Ministry of External Affairs. The two sides discussed cooperation in security and strategic matters, including counter-terrorism. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues and considered ways to expand cooperation in areas of shared interest.

Earlier in the year, on June 11, Chancellor Christian Stocker congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister. Stocker highlighted India's rapid economic growth under Modi's leadership and described Austria and the European Union's partnership with India as strong. Modi responded by thanking him and expressing his willingness to work with Austria to further strengthen bilateral ties.