On June 5, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and extended his warm greetings on the success of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recent 18th Lok Sabha elections.
This victory, according to Putin, reflects the widespread support for the political course pursued by the Indian leadership, as well as recognition of the achievements in socio-economic development and the strengthening of India’s international authority.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the current level of the Russian-Indian special and privileged strategic partnership, highlighting the importance of expanding cooperation across various sectors. The strategic partnership between Russia and India, which has been in place for several decades, encompasses numerous areas including defense, energy, trade, and space exploration. The leaders emphasized their commitment to deepening this relationship further, according to an official statement issued by Kremlin.
Personal Interaction and Diplomatic Congratulatory Letter
Putin and Modi agreed to continue their constructive personal interaction, underlining the strong personal rapport they have developed over the years. This personal connection is seen as a cornerstone for the sustained bilateral cooperation between the two nations. In addition to the telephone conversation, a congratulatory letter was also sent by Putin to Modi, reaffirming Russia’s support and recognition of India’s democratic process and leadership.
The World’s Largest Democracy Celebrates
The significance of India’s democratic exercise was echoed by various international leaders and organizations. With approximately 650 million voters casting their ballots over a span of six weeks, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were hailed as the largest exercise in democracy in human history. This monumental event demonstrated the robust democratic framework of India and its commitment to upholding democratic principles.
Biden sends his greeting & US Congratulatory Statement
“Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the National Democratic Alliance on their victory, and the nearly 650 million voters in this historic election,” US President Joe Biden said, adding that the India-US relationship had “unlimited potential”.
Later, Matthew Miller, the Department Spokesperson for the United States, issued a press statement on June 5, 2024, congratulating Prime Minister Modi and the National Democratic Alliance on their electoral victory. Miller commended Indian voters, poll workers, civil society, and journalists for their commitment and vital contributions to the democratic process. The US expressed its eagerness to continue partnering with the Indian government to promote prosperity, innovation, and address global challenges such as the climate crisis. The statement also emphasized the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, aligning with India’s strategic interests.
European Union’s Celebration of Democracy
As the European Union prepares for its own elections, the celebration of democratic values and the voice of the people in both India and the EU was highlighted. The EU recognized the significance of India’s electoral process and looked forward to continued fruitful partnerships. The emphasis on democratic principles underscored the shared values between the world’s two largest democracies.
Future Prospects
The recent interactions between international leaders and India highlight the global recognition of India’s democratic strength and its growing role on the world stage. The strategic partnerships, particularly with Russia and the United States, are poised to expand further, contributing to global stability and development. India’s successful electoral process serves as an inspiration to other democracies, showcasing the power of the people’s voice in shaping the future.
World Leaders Congratulate Indian Prime Minister Modi
Russian President Putin was the first international leader to greet PM Modi. Other leaders who extended their greetings on Wednesday included France, Italy, the UK, Singapore, Italy, Norway, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Israel and Ukraine.
Regional countries including UAE, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Seychelles, and the UAE also joined in extending their greetings.
President of the United Arab Emirates Mohammed Bin Zayed greeted PM Modi expressing interest in advancing “deeply rooted strategic partnership”.
On Tuesday, even before the counting of votes had ended, leaders from neighboring countries extended their congratulations to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth sent their greetings via the social media platform X.
On Wednesday, as the election results were finalized and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) constituents gathered, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu issued statements congratulating Modi on securing enough support for a third consecutive term. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is currently on a visit to China, has yet to convey his greetings.
“I look forward to working together to advance our shared interests in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability for our two countries,” said President Muizzu. His statement was notable given the recent tensions between India and the Maldives over the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives’ southern atolls at the insistence of the Maldivian President.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) also conveyed its congratulations at a briefing. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong wrote on X, “Look forward to making joint efforts with the Indian side for a sound and stable China-India relationship, which is in line with the interests and expectations of both countries, the region, and the world.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has been urging PM Modi to travel to Switzerland next week for a Peace Summit soon after the G-7 meeting in Italy, said, “Everyone in the world recognizes the significance and weight of India’s role in global affairs… In this regard, we also look forward to seeing India attend the Peace Summit.”
India has not yet confirmed its level of participation at the conference, where Russia has not been invited. Modi sidestepped Zelenskyy’s invitation, stating only that “India will continue to support peace, security, and prosperity for everyone in the region.”