This article covers cultural relations between India and Austria, the study of India in Austrian universities, academic links, and the Indian community and students in Austria. It is based on the MEA bilateral brief of April 2026.
A long cultural link
According to the MEA brief of April 2026, Indo-Austrian cultural relations have a long tradition dating back to the 16th century, when Balthasar Springer travelled from Tyrol to India in 1505 with the third Portuguese fleet.
Indology in Vienna
The brief states that the Austrian tradition of Indology began in a period, between 1825 and 1920, known for distinguished philologists and archaeologists. The teaching of Sanskrit at Vienna University started in 1845, and in 1880 an independent chair for Indology was established at the University of Vienna.
After a break between 1938 and 1955, the Chair became an independent department, now known as the Institute for South Asian, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies at the University of Vienna. During his visit to Austria in July 2024, the Prime Minister of India interacted with prominent Austrians, including Indologists.
An MoU between ICCR and the University of Vienna for a short term Chair on India studies was signed in May 2021.
Tagore in Vienna
The philosopher-poet and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore visited Vienna in 1921 and 1926. The brief notes that his 1921 lecture, 'The religion of the forest', portrayed the value of getting closer to nature and learning union and compassion.
Music and film
The brief states that artists of India and Austria have performed in each other's countries for several decades. It names Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Zakir Hussain, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. It adds that Maestro Zubin Mehta continues to be associated with the Vienna Philharmonic and has given New Year performances at the Music Verein, including concerts in September 2022 and March 2026.
The brief also records that several Bollywood films have been shot in Austria, which it attributes to the country's scenic locales. The films it names are Andhadhun, Kantara, Sui Dhaga, Tiger 3, Sahoo, Tiger Zinda Hai, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.
Cultural agreements and visits
An MoU on Cultural Cooperation for the years 2022-26 was signed in January 2023. An MoU between Muziris Projects Limited, Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, and the Institute of Conservation, University of Applied Arts Vienna, Austria, was signed in March 2020.
India's Minister of Culture, Smt. Chandresh Kumari, visited Austria in April 2013.
Ayurveda and yoga
The brief states that Ayurveda, the Indian traditional system of medicine, has been widely acknowledged and practised in Austria. It adds that the holistic approach of yoga to health care and wellbeing has led many Austrians to embrace yoga, as shown by the presence of many yoga schools in Vienna and other Austrian cities.
Academic collaboration and students
A TU Austria (TCSITAT) initiative was established with Indian universities for technological collaboration in 2025. The brief gives its objective as building sustainable academic and research collaborations and attracting young talent from India to study in Austria.
As of the brief, there are over 730 Indian students pursuing higher education in Austria, and the brief states that the number is set to rise.
The Indian community
As of the MEA brief of April 2026, there are an estimated over 13510 Indians living in Austria.
The Prime Minister of India addressed the Indian Community in Austria during his visit in July 2024. Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the Indian diaspora at a community event during her visit to Austria in April 2025. Earlier, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Shri Vayalar Ravi visited Austria on 3 and 4 February 2013.