Commercial Counsellor & Trade Commissioner
Austria, being the 10th largest economy in the EU plays a vital role for India as it looks to expand into Central and Eastern Europe. Being centrally located in the EU and bordering eight countries, including Germany and Italy, Austria offers immense potential for Indian companies. Bilateral trade between the countries is nearing 3 billion USD and growing. A major area of cooperation and engagement exists in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods, industrial equipment etc. Austria’s key exports include machinery and mechanical appliances, vehicles and automotive components, electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, iron and steel products, and high-quality consumer goods. The country is also known for specialized industrial technologies, environmental and renewable energy solutions, and precision engineering. On the import side, Austria sources raw materials, energy products, agricultural commodities, intermediate industrial goods and consumer products. In services, bilateral trade can include tourism, financial services, logistics, information technology, engineering education, and professional services. Austria’s well- developed infrastructure, skilled workforce, and stable regulatory environment make it an attractive destination for service-based trade and long-term commercial cooperation.
Currently, there are more than 170 Austrian subsidiaries and JVs in India. Austrian companies are active in India, especially in automotive, Greentech, energy, construction, steel and metals sectors. Green technology, smart infrastructure, railways, automotives, healthcare infrastructure, and digital innovation are some key areas of opportunities. India–Austria cooperation has translated into the successful execution of several landmark infrastructure and technology projects across India, reflecting Austria’s engineering excellence and India’s development priorities.
The Atal Tunnel, inaugurated in October 2020, as the world’s highest-altitude highway tunnel, stands as a milestone project executed with the expertise of Austrian construction major STRABAG. Austrian firms have also contributed significantly to metro rail systems in Indian cities, with companies such as Frauscher, voestalpine Schienen, Geoconsult, and Getzner playing key roles. In the Smart Cities Mission, firms like EFKON, ILF Consulting Engineers, SKIDATA, and COMMEND are offering solutions in intelligent transport, urban planning, and sustainable development. Austria’s global leadership in ropeway technologies is equally visible, with Doppelmayr and Bernard Gruppe spearheading cable-car projects nationwide. Together, India and Austria are shaping a dynamic partnership—one that blends innovation.