India Austria Partnership, Evolution, Areas of Collaboration

Context: Recently, PM Narendra Modi visited Vienna. India and Austria recently agreed to strengthen their partnership, with a focus on economic and technological collaboration.

Austria’s Historical Neutrality

• Nazi Occupation and Allied Control: Vienna was occupied during WWII and later divided into sectors by the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union.
• Austrian State Treaty (1955): Established Austria as an independent state with mandated neutrality, prohibiting military alliances and foreign military bases.

India’s Role in Austria’s Sovereignty

• Nehru’s Support: India supported Austria’s appeal for sovereignty at the UN General Assembly in 1952.
• Nehru’s Mediation: Nehru’s diplomatic mediation was pivotal in Austria’s negotiations, culminating in the 1955 State Treaty.
• Nehru’s State Visit (1955): First foreign leader to visit Austria post-independence.
  • Austria’s President Theodor Körner described Nehru as a statesman who contributed significantly to global politics and understanding among nations.

Evolution of India-Austria Ties

• Diplomatic Relations: Established on November 10, 1949, marking its 75th anniversary in 2024.
• Notable Visits:
  • 1983: Indira Gandhi to Austria.
  • 1984: Austrian Chancellor Fred Sinowatz to India.
  • 1999: President K R Narayanan to Austria.
  • 2005: Austrian President Dr Heinz Fischer to India.
  • 2011: President Pratibha Patil to Austria.
• Alexander Schallenberg:
  • Visited India in March 2022 with a high-level business delegation.
  • Personal connection: His father was Austria’s Ambassador to India (1974-1978), and Schallenberg attended elementary school in New Delhi.
• Balanced Positions on Russia-Ukraine War: Both countries have adopted balanced positions regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
  • Austria supported EU sanctions against Russia but maintained commercial ties and continues to import gas from Russia.
  • Chancellor Nehammer was the first European leader to visit Putin post-invasion to discuss ending the war.

Agreement on Sustainable Economic and Technology Partnership

• Objective: To adopt a strategic approach aimed at significantly upgrading the bilateral partnership between India and Austria.
• Focus Areas: Future-oriented bilateral sustainable economic and technology partnership.

Areas of Collaboration

• Technology Development
• Research and Innovation:
• Business Engagement in green and digital technologies.
• Infrastructure
• Renewable Energy
• Water Management
• Life Sciences
• Smart Cities
• Mobility and Transport

Commitment to International Principles

• Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
• International Law: Emphasised adherence to international law as reflected in UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).
• Sovereignty and Integrity: Full respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom of navigation.
• Benefit of Maritime Security: Commitment to maritime security and international order.
• Response to China’s Behaviour: The statement implicitly addressed concerns over China’s assertive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region.

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