**Executive Summary**
This statement marks the historic visit of Austrian Chancellor Stocker to India on April 16, 2026, the first such visit in 40 years, following the 2026 India–European Union Free Trade Agreement. The visit focuses on ushering in a new era of bilateral relations centered on infrastructure, innovation, and sustainable technology. Key outcomes include the launch of the India–Austria Working Holiday Programme and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between IIT Delhi and Montan University.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Infrastructure and Engineering Cooperation**
* Austria is recognized as a trusted partner in infrastructure, specifically regarding tunneling expertise utilized in the Delhi Metro and the Atal Tunnel.
* Collaborations extend to railways, Gujarat's Girnar Ropeway, clean energy, and urban development projects.
* Both nations aim to combine Austrian expertise with India's "speed and scale" to develop reliable global supply chains and technologies.
* **Technology and Innovation**
* Partnerships are being deepened in high-tech sectors, including semiconductors, quantum technology, biotechnology, and defense.
* Strengthened cooperation in engineering and technical education is a priority.
* Joint research and start-up collaborations are being expanded to foster innovation.
* **Mobility and Education**
* A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IIT Delhi and Austria’s Montan University to facilitate knowledge exchange.
* The 2023 Migration and Mobility Agreement will be expanded to include mobility for the nursing sector.
* The India–Austria Working Holiday Programme is being launched to encourage youth exchange.
* **Global Diplomacy and Shared Values**
* Both countries advocate for stable, sustainable peace in regions of conflict, specifically Ukraine and West Asia, asserting that solutions cannot be reached through military conflict.
* Agreement exists on the necessity of reforming global institutions to address modern challenges.
* There is a shared commitment to the total eradication of terrorism.
**Impact Analysis**
**Educational and Research Institutions (IIT Delhi and Montan University)**
**Impact**
These institutions will benefit from formal knowledge exchange and enhanced technical cooperation.
**Action Required**
Implement the provisions of the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding and facilitate joint academic programs.
**Healthcare Professionals (Nursing Sector)**
**Impact**
Indian nursing professionals will have increased mobility and employment opportunities in Austria under the expanded Migration and Mobility Agreement.
**Action Required**
Nurses and relevant administrative bodies must coordinate to meet the requirements of the advanced mobility protocols.
**Youth and Entrepreneurs**
**Impact**
The launch of the Working Holiday Programme and start-up collaborations provides new avenues for travel, work, and business development for young citizens of both nations.
**Action Required**
Interested individuals should apply through the newly established India–Austria Working Holiday Programme frameworks.
**High-Tech and Infrastructure Industries**
**Impact**
Companies in defense, semiconductors, and green energy will see increased trade and investment opportunities through combined expertise and supply chain integration.
**Action Required**
Businesses should engage with the visiting business delegation to explore investment and technological partnerships.
Key Entities Referenced
Chancellor Stocker: The Chancellor of Austria whose first visit to India outside of Europe marks a new era in bilateral relations and cooperation in trade, investment, and technology.
India–European Union Free Trade Agreement: A major economic agreement signed in 2026 that serves as the backdrop for enhanced bilateral relations between India and Austria.
Migration and Mobility Agreement: A 2023 bilateral agreement between India and Austria being expanded to advance labor mobility in the nursing sector.
India–Austria Working Holiday Programme: A newly launched initiative aimed at promoting youth exchange and professional experience between the two countries.
IIT Delhi and Montan University MoU: A memorandum of understanding signed to strengthen institutional cooperation in engineering and technical education.
Prime Minister's Office
English Translation of Prime Minister's Press
Statement during the Joint Press Statement with
the Chancellor of Austria
Posted On: 16 APR 2026 12:48PM by PIB Delhi
Your Excellency, Chancellor Stocker,
Delegates from both countries,
Friends from the media,
Namaskar!
Grüß Gott!
Chancellor Stocker, I extend a warm welcome to you on your first visit to India. We are delighted that you
have chosen India for your first visit outside of Europe. This reflects your vision and your commitment to
India-Austria relations.
The Austrian Chancellor’s visit to India after 40 years is very important. After the India–European Union
Free Trade Agreement in 2026, a new phase has started in India–EU relations. Through Chancellor
Stocker's visit, we are ushering India-Austria relations into a new era.
Friends,
India and Austria are trusted partners in infrastructure, innovation, and sustainability. From the Delhi
Metro to the Atal Tunnel-built at an altitude of 10,000 feet in the Himalayas, Austria’s tunnelling expertise
has made a lasting impact.
Not only that, from railway projects to Gujarat's Girnar Ropeway, and from clean energy to urban
development, Austrian companies have been active partners in numerous engineering projects across
India.
Friends,
Chancellor Stocker’s visit is set to bring fresh energy to trade and investment. We are pleased that he has
come to India with a strong vision and a large business delegation.
By combining Austria’s expertise with India’s speed and scale, we aim to build reliable technologies and
supply chains for the world. We will also deepen our partnerships in defense, semiconductors, quantumtechnology, and biotechnology.
At the same time, we will further strengthen cooperation in engineering and technical education. The
Memorandum of Understanding being signed today between IIT Delhi and Austria’s Montan University is
a shining example of this knowledge exchange.
Friends,
India’s talent has the potential to enhance Austria’s innovation and productivity. In 2023, we concluded a
comprehensive Migration and Mobility Agreement with Austria. Under this Agreement, we will now
further advance mobility in the nursing sector as well.
We will also further strengthen joint research and start-up collaboration. To promote youth exchange, we
are also launching the India–Austria Working Holiday Programme today.
Friends,
Today, the entire world is going through a very serious and tense situation, and its impact is being felt by
all of us. In such a tense global environment, India and Austria are in agreement that solutions cannot be
achieved through military conflict. Whether in Ukraine or West Asia, we support a stable, sustainable, and
lasting peace.
We are also in agreement that reform of global institutions is essential to address the growing global
challenges. Eradicating terrorism at its roots remains our shared commitment.
Your Excellency,
My visit to Austria in 2024 also took place after four decades. Following that visit, it is a matter of great
pride and pleasure for us to welcome you to India today. Let us work together to make the India–Austria
partnership innovation-centric and future-ready.
Thank you very much.
Danke schön
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister's address. Original address was
delivered in Hindi.
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MJPS/ST
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