PM Modi To Become First Indian PM To Visit Austria Since Indira Gandhi; A Look At India-Austria Bilateral Ties Over The Years

"India and Austria have had a regular exchange of visits including at the level of leaders, ministers and parliamentarians highlighting the importance that both countries accord to further strengthening their relations," according to a profile of India-Austria bilateral relations put up on the website of the Ministry of External Affairs.

India-Austria Bilateral Visits

This includes past visits by Indira Gandhi in 1971 and 1983 and visits by Austrian leaders including Chancellor Bruno Kreisky in 1980 and Chancellor Fred Sinowatz in 1984. Indira Gandhi's 1983 visit occurred from June 16-18. 

Although no Indian prime minister has visited Austria since 1983, there have been presidential visits by President KR Narayanan in 1999 and President Pratibha Devisingh Patil in 2011, as well as a visit from Austrian leader Vice Chancellor Josef Proll in 2010.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra briefed the media about Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visits to Russia and Austria from July 8-10. Modi will first visit Moscow for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit on July 8-9, followed by Austria on July 9-10 at the invitation of the Austrian Chancellor. 

PM Modi Austria Visit: What’s On Agenda

During his Austria visit, Modi will meet the Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellenengage, engage in high-level business discussions, and interact with the Indian community in Vienna. Austria is seen as offering excellent opportunities for bilateral cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy, high technology, startups, and media.

India-Austria Bilateral Ties: All You Need To Know

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Austria from December 31, 2022, to January 3, 2023, where he met Austrian leaders including Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehammer, and signed five agreements. During Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg's visit to India in 2022, they discussed various aspects of bilateral relations.

Before his visit to Austria, Prime Minister Modi stated on Sunday that the countries' shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law are the foundation for a stronger partnership. Modi's comment followed Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer's post on 'X' expressing anticipation for welcoming Modi to Vienna next week.

"This visit is a special honour as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 40 years and a significant milestone as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations with India," Nehammer said. "We will have the opportunity to discuss further deepening our bilateral relationship and closer cooperation on many geopolitical challenges."

In response, Modi said, "Thank you, Chancellor Karl Nehammer. It is indeed an honour to visit Austria to mark this historic occasion. I look forward to our discussions on strengthening the bonds between our nations and exploring new avenues of cooperation."