Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a community event in Vienna and noted similarities between India and Austria. PM Modi cited liberty, equality, pluralism and respect for the rule of law as shared values of the two countries. He also expressed happiness on receiving an enthusiastic welcome.

"Geographically, India and Austria are located on two different ends. But there are a lot of similarities between us - democracy connects our two countries. Liberty, equality, pluralism and respect for the rule of law are our shared values," he said.

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"Our two societies are multicultural and multilingual. Both countries have the habit of celebrating diversity. A major medium to reflect these values is election. Austria will go to elections in a few months whereas, in India, we celebrated the festival of democracy just now...The biggest elections concluded in India," he added.

PM Modi also said that India has given 'Buddha' to the world, not 'Yuddha' (war) which means it has always given peace and prosperity, and therefore the country is going to strengthen its role in the 21st century.

"For thousands of years, we have been sharing our knowledge and expertise. We didn't give 'Yuddha' (war), we gave the world 'Buddha'. India always gave peace and prosperity, and therefore India is going to strengthen its role in the 21st century," PM Modi said in Austria, a day after he highlighted the importance of finding solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict through peace and stability in Moscow.

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Describing his first visit to Austria as "meaningful", PM Modi said that after 41 years, an Indian Prime Minister has visited the country. 

"This long wait has come to an end on a historic occasion. India and Austria are celebrating 75 years of their friendship," he said.

Recalling the recently concluded general elections, PM Modi said 650 million people exercised their right to vote and despite such a big election, the results of the elections were declared within hours.

"It is the power of our electoral machinery and democracy," he said.

More than 31,000 Indians are living in Austria. The number of Indian students in the country is more than 450, according to the Indian embassy here.

(With inputs from agencies)