Narendra Modi to be First Indian PM to Visit Vienna in 41 Years: Beginning of a Deep Relationship Between India and Austria

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make history by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Vienna in 41 years. 

Scheduled for July 9 and 10, this visit marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic ties between India and Austria, underscoring a new chapter of collaboration and mutual growth.

This historic visit comes on the heels of Modi’s third consecutive oath-taking as Prime Minister of India, and just months after the launch of the ‘India-Austria Startup Bridge’ in February, aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship between the two nations. 

Modi’s visit to Vienna highlights the growing importance of India-Austria relations and sets the stage for deeper bilateral cooperation.

India-Austria High-Level Engagements Under Modi’s Leadership

Ever since taking office, Prime Minister Modi has maintained cordial relations with Austria. 

His first term saw a bilateral meeting with then-Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern in St. Petersburg on June 2, 2017, during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. 

During his second term, Modi met with then Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg on October 30, 2021, on the sidelines of COP-26 in Glasgow. 

Additionally, on May 26, 2020, Modi had a telephone conversation with President Alexander Van der Bellen, where they exchanged views on managing the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and reiterated their desire to strengthen India-Austria relations in the post-COVID world.

A Brief History of India-Austria Relations

Diplomatic relations between India and Austria were established in 1949. 

The year 2023-2024 marks the 75th anniversary of these bilateral relations. 

India played a pivotal role in Austria’s independence, intervening in its negotiations with the Soviet Union on the State Treaty of Austria in 1953, which led to Austria’s independence in 1955.

The Indo-Austrian Joint Economic Commission (JEC), established in 1983, provides a forum for bilateral interaction between governmental ministries and chambers of commerce and industry. 

More than 200 collaborations have taken place between Indian and Austrian firms, particularly in steel, manufacturing technology, railway and transport equipment, and metallurgy.

Economic and Trade Relations

Bilateral trade between India and Austria is well-balanced. India exports electronic goods, apparel, textiles, footwear, rubber articles, vehicles and railway parts, electrical machinery, and mechanical appliances to Austria. 

In return, it imports machinery, mechanical appliances, railway parts, iron, and steel from Austria. 

The launch of Austria’s first two satellites, TUGSAT-1/BRITE and UniBRITE, by India’s PSLV–C20 on February 25, 2013, marked a significant achievement in space cooperation.

India and Austria have signed over 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering a wide range of sectors, including air services, promotion and protection of investments, infrastructure cooperation in railways, health, science and technology, agriculture, and technology cooperation in shipping and ports.

The Indian Diaspora in Austria

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), there are over 31,000 Indians living in Austria, mainly from Kerala and Punjab. 

This diaspora consists of professionals working primarily in the healthcare sector and multilateral UN bodies, as well as businessmen and self-employed individuals. 

The community is roughly evenly divided between Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). 

Additionally, over 500 Indian students are pursuing higher education in Austria.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Vienna not only symbolizes the enduring friendship between India and Austria but also signals the beginning of a deeper, more collaborative relationship. 

As both nations celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, this visit promises to pave the way for enhanced cooperation, economic growth, and cultural exchange. 

The ‘India-Austria Startup Bridge’ is just one example of the many initiatives that will drive this partnership forward, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship for years to come.

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