Sushma Swaraj, Austrian counterpart discusses ways to enhance bilateral ties

India and Austria on Monday held delegation-level talks on a wide variety of issues pertaining to enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, culture, tourism and consular issues.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj participated in the talks along with her visiting Austrian counterpart Karin Kneissl, who arrived in India on a three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

Kneissl's visit comes on the occasion of the celebration of 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Austria and India.

"70 years of diplomatic relations! EAM @SushmaSwaraj and Austrian Foreign Minister @Karin_Kneissl led delegation-level talks. Productive discussion on enhancing cooperation in trade & investment, culture, tourism & consular issues & exchange of views on global & regional issues," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Earlier today, the Austrian Foreign Minister arrived in the national capital and met Swaraj at the Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan.

"Willkommen Frau Ministerin. EAM @SushmaSwaraj welcomes Austrian Minister for Europe, Integration & Foreign Affairs @Karin_Kneissl on her visit to India. The Ministers last met in New York on UNGA margins in 2018. India & #Austria share a long history of warm & cordial relations," Kumar wrote on his micro-blogging site.

On Tuesday, Kneissl is slated to visit Gandhi Smriti and will address a lecture on "The Future of Global Energy", according to the MEA.

She is slated to depart for Austria in the wee hours of Wednesday.