India and Austria on Thursday strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and the Red Fort terror incident in Delhi, calling for decisive and coordinated international action to combat terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terror.
The position was articulated during Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker’s official visit to India, where both sides underlined the need for deeper cooperation in counter-terrorism, counter-radicalisation and disruption of terror financing networks.
Addressing a special media briefing in New Delhi, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George said the two sides agreed on strengthening institutional mechanisms to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation against terrorism.
“Both sides categorically and unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism,” George said, adding that the leaders also agreed to intensify efforts to prevent the misuse of emerging technologies for terrorist activities and recruitment.
He further stated that India and Austria had agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, which will serve as a platform for information sharing, capacity building and cooperation in multilateral fora, including engagement with the European Union framework.
The leaders, he said, condemned in “the strongest terms” the Pahalgam terror attack last year and the terror incident near the Red Fort in November 2025, and reiterated the need for sustained global cooperation to address extremist violence.
Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to combating terror financing, including through adherence to international anti-money laundering standards, and strengthening coordination at global platforms such as the United Nations and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
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Officials said the discussions also emphasised the need to address violent radicalisation and dismantle financial and logistical networks supporting terrorism.
The remarks came as India and Austria concluded 15 key outcomes during the four-day visit of Chancellor Stocker — the first Austrian Chancellor to visit India in four decades.
The agreements span defence cooperation, technology, trade, innovation, skills development and cultural exchange. Among them is a pact on audiovisual co-production to boost collaboration between the film industries of both countries.
A Fast Track Mechanism was also announced to facilitate smoother engagement between Indian and Austrian businesses, aimed at improving investment flows and resolving commercial issues.
The visit assumes significance in the backdrop of the recently concluded India–EU Free Trade Agreement discussions, with both sides noting new opportunities for trade, manufacturing and employment generation.
With the signing of multiple agreements, India and Austria said they aim to build a more innovation-driven and future-oriented partnership.
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