New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said military conflicts cannot resolve global challenges, as India and Austria expanded cooperation in defence, counterterrorism and technology during talks with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker.
Speaking after bilateral discussions, Modi stressed that both countries support “stable, sustainable and lasting peace” in conflict zones such as Ukraine and West Asia. “In such a tense global environment, solutions cannot be achieved through military conflict,” he said, noting that the current global situation is serious and impacts all nations.
Stocker’s visit — the first by an Austrian chancellor to India in over four decades — resulted in more than a dozen agreements and announcements covering key sectors, including defence, technology and counterterrorism.
On global conflicts, both sides emphasised dialogue and diplomacy. Regarding Ukraine, they supported efforts toward a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace” based on international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity. On West Asia, they highlighted the importance of ensuring safe and uninterrupted maritime trade routes.
Counterterrorism emerged as a major area of cooperation. India and Austria signed a Letter of Intent to establish a Joint Working Group to strengthen collaboration against terrorism and radicalisation. Both countries strongly condemned terrorism in all forms, including cross-border activities, and denounced recent attacks such as the Pahalgam incident and the Red Fort attack.
Another agreement laid the foundation for closer defence cooperation, including policy dialogue, training, and technology partnerships. This builds on the broader India–EU defence and security engagement earlier this year.
The visit also builds on Modi’s 2024 trip to Vienna — the first by an Indian prime minister in 41 years — which marked a renewed push to strengthen bilateral ties.
In total, six agreements were finalised and nine additional initiatives announced to boost collaboration in areas such as high technology, education, space, startups and cybersecurity.
Modi said India–Austria ties are entering a “new era,” highlighting opportunities to combine Austria’s technological expertise with India’s scale. He also pointed to growing cooperation in sectors such as semiconductors, quantum technology and biotechnology.
He added that Indian talent could contribute significantly to Austria’s innovation ecosystem, noting that both countries will further expand mobility partnerships, including in the nursing sector, under their existing migration agreement.
