Addressing Austria’s National Day reception in New Delhi, Secretary (West) Sibi George highlighted the growing depth of bilateral relations, expanding economic opportunities and the shared commitment to a rules-based international order.
India and Austria are strengthening a partnership rooted in democratic values, mutual respect and a shared commitment to international cooperation. Amb Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, attended as Chief Guest at Austria’s National Day reception hosted by the Austrian Embassy in New Delhi on 26 October 2026.
Extending greetings on behalf of the Government and people of India, George congratulated Ambassador Dr Robert Zischg, his team and the people of Austria on the occasion. He described the bilateral relationship as one that had evolved over more than seven decades into a forward-looking partnership with considerable potential for growth.
“Our relationship is multifaceted. Over the last seven decades, it has evolved into a forward-looking partnership, firmly anchored in shared democratic values and mutual respect,” he said.
A New Momentum in Bilateral Relations
Reflecting on the recent milestones in bilateral engagement, George highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Austria in July 2024, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 41 years. The visit coincided with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and resulted in the elevation of bilateral ties to an Enhanced Partnership.
Building on this momentum, India welcomed Austrian Federal Chancellor Dr Christian Stocker in April 2026. His visit, the first by an Austrian Chancellor to India in more than four decades, reaffirmed the importance both countries attach to their relationship. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation across trade, investment, technology, green energy and innovation.
George noted that these high-level exchanges had translated into tangible opportunities for cooperation, laying the groundwork for a stronger and more diversified partnership.
Economic Cooperation and Investment Opportunities
Economic engagement remains a key driver of India–Austria relations. George emphasised that the two countries possess complementary strengths that create opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
He welcomed the participation of Austrian businesses and highlighted their contributions to projects involving urban metro systems, tunnels and infrastructure development in India.
These collaborations, he observed, demonstrate how Austrian expertise can support India’s infrastructure ambitions while opening new avenues for investment and commercial partnerships.
He also encouraged businesses and investors to make effective use of the bilateral mechanisms established to facilitate trade and address investment-related challenges.
With India’s expanding market, growing manufacturing capabilities and dynamic start-up ecosystem, the partnership offers opportunities across infrastructure, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
The India–EU Partnership: A Strategic Opportunity
A significant focus of George’s address was the evolving India–European Union relationship.
He highlighted the outcomes of the 16th India–EU Summit, held in New Delhi in January 2026, where both sides announced the conclusion of negotiations on the India–EU Free Trade Agreement and advanced cooperation through a comprehensive strategic agenda towards 2030.
The summit also saw progress on a Security and Defence Partnership and a comprehensive framework for mobility cooperation.
George welcomed Austria’s support for strengthening India–EU engagement and expressed confidence that these developments would generate new opportunities for trade, investment, technology collaboration and people-to-people exchanges.
For India and Austria, closer economic integration between India and Europe offers an important platform for expanding bilateral business ties and fostering long-term prosperity.
Innovation, Technology and People-to-People Connections
George also underlined the growing importance of science, technology and innovation in bilateral cooperation. He pointed to emerging and critical technologies as areas with considerable potential, particularly given the strength of the start-up ecosystems in both countries.
The India–Austria Start-up Bridge, launched in 2024, provides a platform for connecting entrepreneurs and supporting collaboration between the two innovation ecosystems.
Beyond economic cooperation, cultural and intellectual exchanges remain central to the relationship. George highlighted the importance of facilitating mobility for students, researchers, skilled professionals and young people, enabling them to experience each other’s societies, languages and cultures.
India and Austria’s Comprehensive Partnership for Migration and Mobility, signed in 2023, provides a framework for cooperation in this area.
“I am confident that these growing exchanges among students, professionals, researchers, tourists and artists will further deepen the bonds of friendship between our two countries,” he said.
Such exchanges, he emphasised, help build mutual understanding and create enduring connections between the two societies.
Shared Commitments in a Changing World
George reaffirmed that multilateral cooperation remains an important dimension of India–Austria relations. He stressed the importance of working together through international organisations and reiterated India’s commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
He also connected India’s development ambitions, including its vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, with the opportunities presented by stronger international partnerships, technological advancement and sustainable growth.
As Austria prepares to serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2027–2028, cooperation between the two countries will continue to encompass international peace, security and multilateral engagement.
Looking Ahead
George expressed confidence that, under Ambassador Zischg’s leadership, India and Austria would further strengthen their partnership through sustained political dialogue, expanding economic engagement, technological collaboration and closer people-to-people ties.
He reiterated India’s commitment to working with Austria to translate the opportunities presented by their growing relationship into meaningful outcomes.
“May the friendship between India and Austria grow ever stronger,” he said, bringing his address to a close.
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