India Champions Peace, Not War: PM Modi's Message from Austria

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Wednesday that India has historically contributed peace and prosperity to the world, symbolised by Buddha, rather than war. Speaking to the Indian diaspora in Vienna, Modi emphasised India's commitment to becoming a leading nation in the 21st century.

Modi highlighted that for millennia, India has shared its knowledge and expertise globally. "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," he said. This statement was made during his visit to Austria, following his discussions with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow about resolving the Ukraine conflict peacefully.

India's Growing Role in the 21st Century

During his address, Modi also mentioned that India is striving to be the best and brightest, achieving significant milestones. He described his first visit to Austria as meaningful, noting that it had been 41 years since an Indian Prime Minister last visited the country. "This long wait has come to an end on a historic occasion," he remarked.

India and Austria are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations. Modi pointed out that despite being geographically distant, both countries share many similarities. "Democracy connects both countries. Our shared values are liberty, equality, pluralism, and respect for the rule of law," he said. He added that both nations have multicultural and multilingual societies that celebrate diversity through elections.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Modi's visit to Austria comes at a time when more than 31,000 Indians reside in the country, including over 450 Indian students. The Indian embassy provided these figures, highlighting the growing Indian community in Austria.

Reflecting on India's recent general elections, Modi noted that 650 million people exercised their right to vote. He praised India's electoral machinery for declaring results within hours despite the massive scale of the election. "It is the power of our electoral machinery and democracy," he said amid chants of 'Modi, Modi' from the audience.

Modi's remarks underscore India's ongoing efforts to enhance its global standing while fostering peaceful international relations. His visit to Austria marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

The Prime Minister's emphasis on shared democratic values and cultural diversity highlights the common ground between India and Austria. This visit not only commemorates 75 years of friendship but also sets the stage for future cooperation.

The Indian diaspora in Austria warmly received Modi's message of peace and progress. His speech resonated with many who see India's potential to play a pivotal role on the global stage in the coming years.

This visit underscores India's commitment to fostering international partnerships based on mutual respect and shared values. As India continues to grow economically and politically, its influence on global affairs is expected to increase significantly.