India and Austria discuss bilateral cooperation in defence and security matters
Vienna, June 29
Shambhu S Kumaran, Ambassador of India to Austria, on Monday met Arnold Kammel, Secretary General of the Austrian Ministry of Defence in Vienna, discussing bilateral cooperation in defence and security matters.
"Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran met Dr Arnold Kammel, Secretary General of the Austrian Ministry of Defence in Vienna. Substantive discussions on taking forward bilateral cooperation in defence and security matters following the Letter of Intent signed during the Austrian Chancellor's visit to India in April 2026," the Embassy/Permanent Mission of India in Vienna wrote on X.
According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Letter of Intent (LoI) on Cooperation in Military Matters will provide an institutional framework for promoting cooperation in military matters, defence industrial and technology partnership, building on the momentum of the India-EU Defence and Security Partnership signed on January 27, as well as facilitating defence policy dialogue, training and capacity building.
During the Austrian Chancellor's visit, an LoI was also signed on the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, which will advance counter terrorism cooperation between India and Austria, including the goal of both sides to work together to establish a Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism for exploring areas of strategic cooperation on issues relating to the fight against terrorism.
On Friday, the Ambassador met members of the India Friendship Group in the Austrian Parliament and discussed the growing momentum in bilateral relations.
"Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran met members of the India Friendship Group in Austrian Parliament. Members of the Group from the National Council of Austria, Ms. Elisabeth Gotze (The Greens-Chair), Mr. Harald Servus (OVP), Mr. Andreas Minnich (OVP), Dr. Axel Kassegger (FPO), Mr. Gerhard Kaniak (FPO) and Mr. Yannick Shetty (NEOS) attended," the Embassy/Permanent Mission of India in Vienna wrote on X.
"Wide-ranging discussions on the growing momentum in India-Austria relations and opportunities to further deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, sustainability, innovation, mobility, supply chain resilience as well as new areas including security and defence, Space and emerging technologies," it added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, why are we signing so many LoIs? First EU, now Austria... What's the actual outcome? More photo ops and press releases. I hope there's substance behind these discussions, especially on technology transfer.
Austria is a small but tech-savvy country. The Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism is timely given global threats. But I wish India would also focus on domestic defence manufacturing instead of just buying foreign equipment. Make in India needs more push!
Austria and counter-terrorism? I guess every little bit helps. But our real strategic partners are Russia, US, and Israel. Still, it's good that India is expanding its diplomatic reach. The space and emerging tech cooperation sounds promising! 🚀
What about the Indian diaspora in Austria? The article mentions parliamentary groups but no word on cultural or people-to-people ties. That should also be part of defence discussions in my opinion — strong bonds lead to better cooperation.
The India Friendship Group in Austrian Parliament — that's a smart diplomatic move. It's always good to have friends in the legislature when you do business. Let's hope these discussions translate into concrete actions, not just another committee that never meets again.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.