Indian Ambassador Reviews Bilateral Relations with Austrian MPs in Vienna

Vienna, June 26: Indian Ambassador to Austria, Shambhu S. Kumaran, met with members of the Austrian Parliament’s India Friendship Group on Friday to discuss the growing ties between the two nations.

The Indian Embassy in Vienna shared details on the social media platform ‘X’, stating, “Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran met with members of the Austrian Parliament’s India Friendship Group. The meeting included National Council members such as Elisabeth Götz (Chair of the Greens), Mr. Harald Servas (ÖVP), Mr. Andreas Minich (ÖVP), Dr. Axel Kassegger (FPÖ), Gerhard Kaniak (FPÖ), and Yannick Shetty (NEOS).”

The embassy noted that the meeting focused on strengthening relations between India and Austria, discussing opportunities for collaboration in areas such as trade, environmental sustainability, new technologies, mobility, and supply chain enhancement. Additionally, the conversation explored potential cooperation in new fields like security, defense, space, and emerging technologies.

Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Kern visited India in April, marking his first official trip to the country. The visit aimed to bolster relations in critical areas such as trade, investment, and new technologies.

During his visit, Kern emphasized the importance of bilateral relations and India’s role on international platforms, stating that New Delhi’s voice carries significant weight. He and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed that all conflicts should be resolved through dialogue.

In a joint press conference with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi, Kern expressed support for a rules-based world order, rejecting a system where “the powerful are always right.”

He described his trip as a “significant milestone” for India-Austria relations, stating, “My visit is an important step for India-Austria relations. I am pleased to be the first Austrian Federal Chancellor to visit India in over 40 years. Prime Minister Modi visited Vienna in the summer of 2024. Our diplomatic relations have lasted for 75 years and are stronger than ever. We will strive to maintain this positive momentum.”