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India – Austria Relations
Context:
India and Austria have agreed to a future-focused “bilateral sustainable economic and technology partnership” following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Vienna.
More on News:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Austria from July 9-10, 2024, marking the first visit by an Indian PM in 41 years.
- Celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Key Agreements and Discussions:
- Bilateral Partnership: Enhancing cooperation in green and digital technologies, infrastructure, and renewable energy,
- Indo-Pacific Stability: Commitment to a free, open Indo-Pacific, ensuring maritime security, and adherence to international laws (UNCLOS).
- Political and Security Cooperation: Shared focus on restoring peace in Europe and West Asia, including the Ukraine conflict. Welcomed Austria’s engagement with the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC).
- Economic Collaboration: Agreed on a future-oriented economic partnership in green and digital technologies, infrastructure, renewable energy, and smart cities. Convened the first high-level bilateral Business Forum.
- Skill Development: Welcomed the Migration and Mobility Agreement for skilled personnel exchanges.
- Climate Commitments: Pledged collaboration on renewable energy, focusing on Austria’s Hydrogen Strategy and India’s Green Hydrogen Mission.
- Acknowledged climate neutrality goals (EU 2050, Austria 2040, India 2070).
- Technology and Innovation: Emphasised the Start-Up Bridge and exchanges through Austria’s Global Incubator Network and India’s Start-Up India.
- Cultural Exchanges: Promoted cultural diplomacy, including yoga and Ayurveda.
- Multilateral Cooperation: Reaffirmed commitment to multilateralism and UN reforms. Supported each other’s UNSC candidacies. Invited Austria to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
India-Austria Relations Overview:
- Political Relations: Established in 1949, celebrating 75 years from November 2023. India aided Austria’s 1955 independence negotiations.
- Economic Cooperation: Austria is a key EU partner. The Indo-Austrian Joint Economic Commission (JEC) facilitates bilateral trade. In 2021, bilateral trade was USD 2.47 billion, increasing to USD 2.84 billion in 2022.
- Space Cooperation: Austria’s first satellite was launched by India in 2013.
- Cultural Ties: There is a rich history of cultural exchanges, including Rabindranath Tagore’s visits and the popularity of Ayurveda and Yoga in Austria.
