From Taiwan To Italy, Ukraine To Israel; World Leaders Congratulate PM Modi On 3rd Term

Leaders from many countries congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) gained a majority in the Lok Sabha elections, clearing the path for his third term in power.

Among the world leaders, the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth was the first to congratulate PM Modi. Jugnauth wrote on X, “Congratulations Prime Minister Modi Ji on your laudable victory for a historic third term. Under your helm, the largest democracy will continue to achieve remarkable progress. Long live the Mauritius-India special relationship.”

Leaders from other neighbouring countries including Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Singapore, Seychelles and Iran also sent congratulatory messages to PM Modi.

Cutting across party lines, all major party leaders in Sri Lanka sent congratulations to PM Modi-led NDA alliance for election victory. President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe said, “I extend my warmest felicitations to the BJP-led NDA on its victory. As the closest neighbour Sri Lanka looks forward to further strengthening the partnership with India.”

Sri Lankan Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa said that PM Modi is the first PM since Nehru to get a third consecutive term and extended support for India's membership of UNSC while speaking in Parliament.

Interestingly, Maldives’ opposition leaders i.e. former President Mohamed Nasheed and former foreign minister congratulated PM Modi for the election win before Muizzu’s government. Later, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu said on X, “Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP and BJP-led NDA. I look forward to working together to advance our shared interests in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability for our two countries.”

Apart from neighbouring countries, Italian PM Meloni congratulated PM Modi on election victory and invited him to the G7 summit later this month. Meloni was the first G7 and Western leader to do so.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote a long paragraph mentioning congratulations and invited India’s representation to the Peace Summit which is scheduled later this month in Switzerland.

Zelenskyy said, “I welcome the successful holding of the world’s largest democratic elections in India. Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India and Ukraine share common values and a rich history. May our partnership continue to thrive, bringing progress and mutual understanding to our nations.”

“Everyone in the world recognises the significance and weight of India’s role in global affairs. It is critical that we all work together to ensure a just peace for all nations. In this regard, we also look forward to seeing India attend the Peace Summit,” he added.

Newly elected president of Taiwan Lai Ching-te congratulated Prime Minister Modi in an X post and said, “We look forward to enhancing the fast-growing Taiwan-India partnership, expanding our collaboration on trade, technology and other sectors to contribute to peace & prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”

The office of the Japanese PM Fumio Kishida released a congratulatory statement and said, “India and Japan will work towards ‘realising a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”.’ Whereas, Israeli PM Netanyahu wished PM Modi for the third consecutive term and said, “Badhaai Ho!”

Lately, China issues congratulations to PM Modi and NDA. During daily press conference, foreign ministry Spox in Beijing said, “Ready to work with India to promote the healthy and stable development of relations between the two countries.”

PM Modi also received best wishes from an African country – Jamaica and the Caribbean country Barbados.

Sangeet Kumar Sanu

BW Reporters Sangeet Kumar Sanu as a Correspondent reports on Defence, Space and Foreign Affairs for BW since 2022.