On 2 April 2026, the Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum (VEF), Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, was received by H.E. Shambhu S. Kumaran, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Republic of Austria, together with Deputy Head of Mission Ms. Devi Gopinath, at the Embassy of India in Vienna.

The discussions focused on issues of economic development and on the possible intensification of cooperation between India and the VEF Region – From the Adriatic to the Black Sea and beyond. In this context, particular emphasis was placed on the significant economic potential of India, as well as on the opportunities for enhanced cooperation with the countries of the VEF Region, in line with the recently endorsed EU–India strategic agenda.

Special attention was given to possible forms of cooperation within the framework of the upcoming event “Vienna Economic Forum – Meet Montenegro in Vienna” on 14 September 2026, under the patronage of H.E. Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro and Patron of VEF, as well as within the framework of the traditional “Vienna Economic Forum – Vienna Future Dialogue 2026”, which takes place every November in Vienna.

The meeting was held in a friendly and constructive atmosphere, with both sides expressing their interest in further deepening contacts and exploring concrete opportunities for cooperation.