New Delhi, April 15 (UNI) Austria's Federal Chancellor Dr Christian Stocker arrived in India on Wednesday on his first official visit to further strengthen the enhanced India-Austria partnership.
The visit aims to promote cooperation in key areas, including trade, culture, and innovation.
Accompanied by First Lady Gerda Stocker Legenstein, Chancellor Stocker will be in India from April 14 to 18, officials said.
Chancellor Stocker will meet India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar today.
On April 16, he will lay a wreath at Rajghat, meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, and participate in the signing of memoranda of understanding, followed by joint press statements. Later that day, he will hold a courtesy call with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The delegation is also expected to participate in additional programs in Delhi on April 17, before departing early on April 18.
The visit underscores ongoing efforts to deepen Indo-Austrian ties, with discussions expected to focus on sustainable development, technology partnerships, and cultural exchange.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X: "A warm welcome to Federal Chancellor Dr. Christian Stocker of Austria on his first official visit to India. He was received by Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports at the airport. India and Austria share a warm and friendly relationship. Chancellor Stocker's visit will impart further momentum to the 'Enhanced India–Austria Partnership'."
India and Austria share a long-standing historical bond spanning several centuries. Though located at different continents with distinct cultural and historical backgrounds, the two nations have maintained strong diplomatic relations for over seven decades.
Following India's independence and the end of the Second World War, India and Austria formally established diplomatic relations on November 10, 1949, a pivotal moment in their bilateral ties.
Over the years, the two countries have signed several key agreements.
Austria's strategic location in Central Europe also positions it as a vital gateway for India to access Central and Eastern European markets.
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