New Delhi, April 15 (NationPress) The External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, met with Austria's Chancellor Christian Stocker in New Delhi on Wednesday. He expressed optimism that the discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scheduled for Thursday, will pave the way for enhanced cooperation between the two nations.

Chancellor Stocker arrived in India earlier that day for his inaugural official visit, aimed at bolstering bilateral relations in crucial sectors such as trade, investment, and emerging technologies.

"I am pleased to meet Federal Chancellor Dr. Christian Stocker of Austria as he embarks on his first official visit to India. I am confident that his meeting with PM Narendra Modi tomorrow will unlock new avenues for enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors," Jaishankar shared on social media.

Earlier, Stocker emphasized India's rapid growth, noting its significant investments in infrastructure and technology, identifying it as the European Union's (EU) "most vital trading partner" in South Asia.

"India is expanding at about seven percent annually, making substantial investments in infrastructure and technology, and is now the EU's most significant trading partner in South Asia. For Austria, a small but highly inventive export nation, this presents a tremendous opportunity that we aim to seize actively," Stocker tweeted following his arrival.

Stocker added, "In times of global uncertainty, stable partnerships are essential for economic success. I will be in New Delhi for three days to establish concrete frameworks for Austrian companies to capitalize on this growth—through new collaborations, strengthened partnerships, and improved access to this vibrant market."

This trip represents Stocker’s first visit to India and his initial official trip to Asia since taking office in 2025. He is set to engage in extensive discussions with Prime Minister Modi on Thursday, centering on the expansion of cooperation in trade, investment, green technology, and other critical areas.

“I extend a warm welcome to Federal Chancellor Dr. Christian Stocker of Austria, who is on his first official visit to India. He was greeted at the airport by Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse. India and Austria enjoy a cordial and friendly relationship, and Chancellor Stocker’s visit will further invigorate the ‘Enhanced India–Austria partnership’,” stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X.

Accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, including senior ministers, government officials, and business leaders, Stocker's visit underscores a strong economic focus. Both nations are expected to delve into opportunities for deeper cooperation in areas like advanced manufacturing, digital innovation, and renewable energy.

This visit coincides with escalating economic collaboration between the two countries. Discussions are anticipated to also cover regional and global issues of shared interest, along with cooperation in multilateral platforms.

India and Austria's longstanding friendly relations are founded on mutual democratic values. This visit builds upon the momentum created by PM Modi’s trip to Austria in 2024 and is expected to strengthen the India–Austria relationship, unveiling new opportunities for strategic and economic collaboration.