India Deepens Diplomatic Footprint in Europe and Eurasia - Beyond Borders By Prajila

New Delhi |Dec 14, 2025 | BeyondborBersbyJwala

In a significant push to strengthen bilateral ties across Europe and the Eurasian region, India successfully concluded back-to-back Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) this weekend in Austria and Georgia. The Indian delegation for both high-level diplomatic engagements was led by Shri Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), underscoring India's continued strategic focus on the region.

The consecutive meetings provided a platform for a comprehensive review of the "entire gamut of bilateral relations" with both nations, reflecting India's commitment to maintaining robust political engagement and expanding economic cooperation globally.

The Vienna Dialogue: Focus on India-EU and Technology

The diplomatic tour began in Vienna on December 12, 2025, with the 8th India-Austria Foreign Office Consultations. The Austrian delegation was led by Mr. Nikolaus Marschik, Secretary General for Foreign Affairs, Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs.

During the discussions, both sides engaged in a wide-ranging review of their relationship. Key areas of focus included boosting trade and economic cooperation, enhancing partnerships in science and technology, and deepening cultural and people-to-people ties.

Crucially, the consultations also served as a forum to exchange views on the broader India-EU relationship, a key priority for New Delhi's foreign policy. Both sides also discussed cooperation in international and multilateral fora, alongside key regional and global developments of mutual interest.

The Tbilisi Talks: Exploring New Avenues of Cooperation

Following the Vienna leg, Secretary (West) Sibi George travelled to Tbilisi on December 13, 2025, for the 8th India-Georgia Foreign Office Consultations. The Georgian side was led by H.E. Mr. Alexander Khvitisiashvili, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Georgia.

Similar to the Austrian dialogue, the talks in Tbilisi revolved around a holistic review of bilateral engagements. Both nations assessed the current state of political, economic, and cultural ties. A significant aspect of the discussion was the mutual intent to explore ways to "further expand cooperation in new areas," signalling a desire to diversify the relationship beyond traditional sectors. The leaders also exchanged perspectives on pertinent regional and global issues.

Looking Ahead

Both sets of consultations concluded on a positive note, with agreements to maintain regular official exchanges to further strengthen these bilateral ties. It was decided that the next round of FOCs with both Austria and Georgia will be held in New Delhi at mutually convenient dates.

These consecutive high-level bureaucratic engagements highlight India's proactive diplomacy in maintaining strong, multi-dimensional relationships with partners across different strategic regions of Europe.