Since the beginning of the year, Dr. Robert Zischg has been serving as Austria’s Ambassador to India. In this interview, he talks about his goals, the highlights of diplomatic relations between Austria and India, and why India is becoming an increasingly important trading partner.
You have represented Austria as Ambassador to India since January 2026 – how have you experienced your first months, and what have you set out to achieve during your term?
The first two months have already been very intensive. On 27 January, following the major celebrations of India’s Republic Day, the India-EU Summit took place, where, among other things, negotiations on the free trade agreement that had been under discussion since 2008 were concluded. In February, a major AI summit followed, attended by State Secretary Alexander Pröll. Both major events highlighted how important India has become on the world stage, both politically and economically.
The sheer size of the country is overwhelming: With 3.3 million square kilometres and 1.45 billion people, India is the most populous country in the world. The capital Delhi alone has more than 30 million inhabitants. The scale of India is enormous, and the country’s dynamism and population growth can be felt everywhere. Since Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka are also covered by the Embassy in New Delhi, our team is responsible for a region representing almost a quarter of the world’s population. That naturally comes with a great sense of responsibility.
Our main focus is on strengthening economic relations with India. As an Ambassador, one enjoys privileged access to important decision-makers in India, which can be used to promote opportunities for Austrian companies. There is hardly an event or meeting where I am not approached about business opportunities with Austria.
Austria and India have maintained diplomatic relations since 1949 – what do you consider the most important highlights of the past 77 years?
When Austria and India agreed to establish diplomatic relations in 1949, this step had great symbolic importance, as Austria was still occupied by the four Allied powers. Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru subsequently provided valuable support, particularly through his good relations with Moscow, in helping achieve the signing of the Austrian State Treaty on 15 May 1955. Just one month later, Prime Minister Nehru visited Vienna as the first foreign head of government.
In the early 1980s, Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky and Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi maintained a close relationship. Both were strongly committed to North-South dialogue and to finding a sustainable peace solution in the Middle East. Indira Gandhi visited Vienna in 1983, while Kreisky’s successor Fred Sinowatz visited Delhi in 1984.
In the first decades, economic cooperation focused mainly on expanding infrastructure and modernising India’s industry. Austria primarily supplied steel and machinery. Following India’s economic liberalisation, the number of Austrian companies active in the Indian market has grown to more than 160.
You mentioned mutual visits. In April this year, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, and several agreements were signed. How important is India as an economic partner for Austria? In which sectors do you see the greatest potential for Austrian companies?
The visit of our Chancellor to India sent an important signal: He was the first Austrian Chancellor to visit India since 1984. It was also the return visit following Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Vienna in July 2024. These two meetings have made Austria much more visible on India’s map.
They also underline India’s importance as an economic partner for Austria. Austrian exports to India have developed very positively in recent years. In 2025, they reached almost €1.5 billion, an increase of 13.6% compared with 2024. Austrian imports from India also amounted to €1.5 billion, meaning the trade balance was even.
The strong upward trend since 2020 should continue in the coming years. During the visits of Federal Minister Hattmannsdorfer, together with Chancellor Stocker, to Mumbai and Delhi, accompanied by more than 60 Austrian business representatives, it became clear how determinedly India is pursuing its goal of becoming a developed country by 2047 (“Viksit Bharat”). Massive investments of around USD 120 billion annually are being made, particularly in infrastructure development. Austrian companies could also benefit from this.
With almost 50% of exports, the machinery and vehicles sector is by far the most successful sector.
As you mentioned, after almost 20 years of negotiations, the “mother of all deals” – a comprehensive free trade agreement between India and the EU – was signed in January 2026. What significance does this have for the EU economy, and especially for Austria?
The free trade agreement between India and the EU is a milestone both politically and economically. Until recently, India’s foreign policy focus was primarily on relations with the three major powers – the United States, Russia and China – as well as its immediate neighbourhood. The major geopolitical changes of recent years have brought India and the EU closer together. India is not only the world’s most populous country but also the largest democracy, and from the EU’s perspective, a particularly important actor in the Global South.
The EU-India free trade agreement provides for a significant opening of markets, with major reductions in tariffs and non-tariff barriers. This should strongly stimulate trade and investment. According to one study, the agreement could create 5,000 industrial jobs in Austria and generate annual added value of €650 million.
Finally: What fascinates you personally most about India?
The enormous diversity of landscapes, cultures, languages and people. One is treated with great hospitality, and as an Austrian diplomat I am met with curiosity and interest. Travelling is easy, although the distances can sometimes feel enormous to me as an Austrian. I love Indian cuisine; it is extremely diverse and, fortunately, less spicy than I expected. Although I have only been in my role since January, I already feel very comfortable here both professionally and personally and look forward to exciting years ahead.