India Austria trade and investment talks focus on semiconductors, AI, and green energy

President Droupadi Murmu said Austrian companies could find strong scope in India’s trade and investment plans. Murmu pointed to newer fields, including semiconductors, green energy and artificial intelligence AI. Murmu made the remarks during a meeting with Christian Stocker, Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

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Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held detailed talks with Stocker on deepening bilateral ties. The discussions covered trade, defence and infrastructure, with an aim to raise cooperation. Against that backdrop, Murmu welcomed Stocker on Stocker’s first visit to India and spoke about the broader relationship.

India-Austria trade and investment opportunities in semiconductors and AI

Murmu said India and Austria maintain warm ties rooted in shared values. Murmu highlighted democracy and the rule of law as common principles. Murmu also noted that the visit followed the conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. Murmu said the deal should add pace to India-Austria trade and investment links.

Murmu again said Austrian companies have wide room to grow business with India. Murmu stressed emerging areas, such as semiconductors, green energy and artificial intelligence AI. Murmu also pointed to India’s expanding market and policy focus in these sectors. The statement from Murmu’s office described the message as an invitation for deeper engagement.

India-Austria cooperation in science, technology and innovation

Murmu said both countries are knowledge-based economies with shared strengths. Murmu said this creates major scope to widen work in science, technology and innovation. The statement said Murmu saw "immense possibilities\" for stronger bilateral cooperation. Murmu linked future work to research, new technology and innovation-led partnerships.

Murmu recalled key steps taken in 2024, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties. Murmu said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in 2024 gave relations a new direction. Murmu listed areas where cooperation expanded, including innovation and renewable and clean energy. Murmu also cited hydrogen, water and waste management, and AI.

India-Austria Start-up Bridge and investment links

Murmu said India has one of the world’s largest start-up ecosystems. Murmu acknowledged the role of the India-Austria Start-up Bridge, launched in 2024. The statement said the platform is strengthening bilateral cooperation. Murmu linked start-up ties with broader goals on investment, innovation, and collaboration between firms and researchers.

With inputs from PTI