Austrian Federal Chancellor Dr. Christian Stocker arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for his inaugural official visit to India.

He was received at the airport by Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse.

The visit is expected to impart further momentum to the "Enhanced India-Austria Partnership," according to official statements from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal extended a warm welcome to the Chancellor, noting on X (formerly Twitter) that "India and Austria share a warm and friendly relationship. Chancellor Stocker’s visit will impart further momentum to the 'Enhanced India-Austria partnership'."

Chancellor Stocker held comprehensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

This visit is particularly noteworthy as it marks Stocker’s first official trip to Asia since taking office.

He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Federal Minister of Economy, Energy, and Tourism Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, as well as senior government officials and prominent business leaders.

The MEA further noted that the leaders "will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in multilateral fora."

Reflecting on the historical bond between the two nations, the MEA highlighted that "India and Austria share warm, friendly and multi-faceted ties, rooted in shared democratic values."

The ministry also pointed out that the relationship was substantially elevated following the "highly successful visit of the Prime Minister to Austria in July 2024," which set the stage for the current elevation of contemporary relations.

Source: ANI