World Leaders Delayed in Congratulating Modi Following
Tight India Election Result
Los Angeles/Jun 06, 2024
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh
Following an unexpectedly close 2024 general election where his party fell short of an outright majority, world leaders have begun to extend their congratulations to Narendra Modi.
US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Modi on securing a historic third term. Modi was confirmed as the prime ministerial candidate after his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reached an agreement with coalition allies following the election results.
The responses from the US, UK, and Russia came slower than usual as they awaited the final election outcome on Wednesday. The BJP won 240 seats, fewer than the 272 needed for a majority and below exit poll predictions. However, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition garnered 292 seats, maintaining control of the legislature.
President Biden congratulated Modi and the NDA on their historic victory, emphasizing the commitment to strengthening the US-India Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership and promoting a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. They also discussed National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s upcoming visit to New Delhi.
Prime Minister Sunak also called Modi, reflecting on the robust UK-India relationship and agreeing to its continued growth. They anticipated meeting at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Italy next week.
President Putin reaffirmed the importance of the strategic partnership between Russia and India, expressing confidence in further enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shared a picture of his call with Modi, highlighting the strong strategic, economic, and cultural ties between Australia and India. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office congratulated Modi, despite recent tensions between Canada and India.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen extended congratulations, celebrating the democratic values shared by the EU and India. Other European and Asian leaders, including those from France, Italy, Latvia, Ukraine, Japan, China, and Taiwan, also praised Modi’s historic third term.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni was among the first European leaders to congratulate Modi, expressing confidence in strengthening Italy-India relations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky invited Modi to attend the Peace Summit in Switzerland, urging India to use its global influence to support a just peace.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning extended congratulations and expressed hopes for a healthy China-India relationship amid ongoing territorial disputes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and leaders from the Maldives and Sri Lanka also conveyed their congratulations, highlighting the continued friendship and cooperation with India.
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