Prime Minister Modi visited Austria in July 2024, the first Indian PM to do so in over four decades, to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations. The visit marked a renewed interest and ambition in bilateral ties. Flipping a new chapter in enhanced cooperation across economic collaboration, technological innovation, and people-to-people connectivity, both sides recognised the importance of bridging Europe’s vibrant free-market economy and India’s dynamic growth ecosystem. A key driver of this deeper cooperation is the Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA), which entered into force on 1 September 2023, positioning bilateral mobility and migration as tools of mutual development.
To unpack the MMPA, India’s World spoke with Amb. Katharina Wieser, the Austrian Ambassador to India, on how the agreement builds on shared values and serves as a cornerstone for pragmatic cooperation in the years ahead.
Kirti Singh: Reflecting on the historical ties between Austria and India, and the often quoted intervention by India with regard to the negotiations on the Austrian State Treaty, how does theMMPA build on this legacy of mutual cooperation?
Amb. Wieser: You’re right, our excellent bilateral relations go back a long way, and have seen supportive engagement on the part of India during the negotiations leading up to the conclusion of the Austrian State Treaty, which marked a significant step in the restoration of Austria’s sovereignty after WWII.