After a gap of more than four decades, an Indian Prime Minister arrived in Vienna on Tuesday for a historic visit to realise the full potential of the bilateral partnership between the two countries.

Shortly after his arrival, PM Narendra Modi was hosted by Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer for a private engagement.

"An important milestone in India-Austria partnership! PM @narendramodi hosted by Austrian Chancellor @karlnehammer for a private engagement. This is the first meeting between the two leaders. Discussions on realising the full potential of bilateral partnership lie ahead," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.

Nehammer posted a photo of him and Modi on the microblogging platform and said: "Welcome to Vienna, PM @narendramodi! It is a pleasure and honour to welcome you to Austria. Austria and India are friends and partners. I look forward to our political and economic discussions during your visit!" The prime minister thanked the Austrian chancellor "for the warm welcome" and said he looks forward to "our discussions tomorrow as well. Our nations will continue working together to further global good".

In Vienna, Austrian artists sang 'Vande Mataram' to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Earlier, the prime minister said he is looking forward to various programmes in Austria including talks with Chancellor Nehammer. His post came after Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed Modi at the airport.