8th India-Austria Foreign Office Consultations Strengthens Bilateral Engagement

India and Austria held their 8th Foreign Office Consultations in Vienna on December 12, 2025, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to strengthen their multifaceted bilateral relationship. The high-level discussions brought together senior diplomatic officials to comprehensively review the entire spectrum of bilateral ties and address matters of mutual strategic interest in the regional and global context.

The Indian delegation was led by Shri Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs, while Mr. Nikolaus Marschik, Secretary General for Foreign Affairs at Austria's Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, headed the Austrian side.

Comprehensive Bilateral Review

During the consultations, both countries undertook an extensive examination of their bilateral relations, with particular focus on strengthening existing cooperation frameworks. The discussions encompassed a broad spectrum of areas critical to contemporary India-Austria engagement, including political engagement, trade and economic cooperation, science and technology collaboration, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties. The two sides also exchanged views on India-EU relations, recognizing Austria's significant role within the European Union framework.

Multilateral and Global Cooperation

Beyond bilateral matters, the delegations discussed cooperation between India and Austria in international and multilateral forums, reflecting the shared commitment of both nations to collaborative engagement on the global stage. These discussions underscored the importance of coordinated approaches in addressing contemporary global challenges and opportunities through established multilateral platforms.

Future Engagement and Regular Exchanges

The consultations concluded with a mutual commitment to maintain regular official exchanges, ensuring continuity in high-level diplomatic engagement between the two nations. Both sides agreed to hold the next Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi at a mutually convenient time, providing a framework for sustained dialogue and periodic review of bilateral relations.

The 8th Foreign Office Consultations represent a significant milestone in India-Austria diplomatic engagement, building upon the foundation of previous consultations and reinforcing the strategic importance both nations place on their bilateral partnership. The comprehensive nature of discussions and the agreement to continue regular exchanges demonstrate the depth of bilateral relations and the mutual commitment to advancing cooperation across multiple dimensions.