India, Austria Expand Ties with Major Strategic Agreements

India and Austria have signed a series of agreements to strengthen bilateral cooperation across defence, trade, technology, education and culture, following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in New Delhi.

The visit marked Chancellor Stocker’s first official trip to India and the first by an Austrian Chancellor in nearly four decades, signalling renewed momentum in India-Austria relations.

Among the key outcomes, both countries signed an audiovisual co-production agreement to boost collaboration between their film industries through joint productions and creative exchanges. A fast-track mechanism was also announced to resolve business and investment issues, aimed at improving ease of doing business and enhancing investor confidence.

In defence, a Letter of Intent was signed to expand cooperation in military technology, training and policy dialogue. Another agreement focuses on counter-terrorism, including the creation of a Joint Working Group. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding on food safety between Austria’s AGES and India’s FSSAI will strengthen standards and facilitate agricultural trade.

The two nations also agreed to enhance cooperation in vocational training and skills development, including recognition of Indian qualifications in Austria. Infrastructure collaboration will continue through the renewal of a technical cooperation MoU on road systems, focusing on safety and intelligent transport solutions.

Both sides committed to expanding innovation ties under the India-Austria Startup Bridge and launching a new cybersecurity dialogue. Collaboration in peacekeeping training will also be strengthened through institutional partnerships.

Looking ahead, India and Austria plan to jointly organise a space industry seminar in Vienna in 2026, reflecting growing interest in space cooperation. High-technology collaboration in areas such as quantum computing, machine learning and material science was identified as a priority.

In education, a structured dialogue will promote academic partnerships, while leading Austrian universities will launch a “Focus India” initiative to attract Indian students. The operationalisation of the Working Holiday Programme will further boost youth mobility and cultural exchange between the two countries.