PM praises India's electoral 'strength' in Austria: '650 million people voted'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that people across the world were surprised after hearing about the election process in India.

Addressing the Indian diaspora in Vienna, PM Modi further said that more than 650 million people participated in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls and despite such a big election, the results of the elections were declared within hours, which shows the strength of India's democratic machinery.

"Hearing about the elections in India leaves people across the world surprised. More than 650 million people voted in the elections that concluded only a few weeks back... Imagine, such a huge electoral process takes place but the poll results are clear within the span of just a few hours. This is the strength of our electoral machinery and our democracy....," PM Modi said.

In his speech, PM Modi also shared his experience after the election process, throwing light on the challenges he faced. He said that the victory of the BJP-led NDA alliance showed that the people of India wanted stability and continuity.

"Being re-elected has been a challenge. In such a situation, the public of India reposed its faith in me, my party and NDA. This mandate is proof of the fact that India wants stability and continuity. This continuity is that of the policy and programs of the last 10 years. This continuity is that of good governance, this continuity is that of working dedicated for big resolves," the PM said.

In his speech, PM Modi also added that India has given 'Buddha' to the world, not 'Yuddha' (war) which means it has always stood for 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, a day after he arrived in Vienna from Moscow where he highlighted the importance of finding a peaceful solution to the Ukraine war during talks with President Vladimir Putin.

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.

"India and Austria are geographically on two different ends, but we have many similarities. Democracy connects both the countries. Our shared values are liberty, equality, pluralism, and respect for the rule of law. Our societies are multicultural and multilingual. Both countries celebrate diversity, and a big medium to reflect these values are elections," he said.

PM Modi also talked about how Austrian expertise in green growth and innovation could partner India, leveraging its high growth trajectory and globally reputed start-up ecosystem.

He dwelt on India being a "Vishwabandhu” and contributing to global progress and well-being. He urged the community to continue nurturing their cultural and emotional bonds with the motherland, even as they prosper in their new homeland.

"I have always believed that relations between two countries are not built just by governments; public participation is very important in strengthening relations. That is why I consider the role of all of you important for these relationships," he told the community members.

PM Modi also mentioned the deep intellectual interest in Indian philosophy, languages and thought that has existed in Austria for centuries.

"Around 200 years ago, Sanskrit was taught at Vienna's university. In 1880, with the establishment of an independent chair for Indology, it got more push. Today, I got the opportunity to meet some eminent Indologists, it was quite apparent from their discussions that they had great interest in India," PM Modi said.

Austria is the home of more than 31,000 Indians. The Indian diaspora mainly consists of professionals working in the health-care and other sectors and in multilateral UN bodies. There are around 500 Indian students pursuing higher education in Austria.

(With PTI inputs)