India’s Modi prepares for record 3rd term as nations congratulate his government on election victory
Associated PressNEW DELHI — The United States, Russia, China, and other nations sent their congratulations Wednesday as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government began preparations for his swearing-in for a record third term following the world’s largest democratic election. Congratulatory messages to Modi from leaders of regional countries including Nepal and Bhutan were the first to arrive, while the White House commended India for its “vibrant democratic process.” Matthew Miller, the U.S. State Department spokesperson, said the U.S. looks forward to furthering “our partnership with the Indian government to promote prosperity and innovation, address the climate crisis, and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.” U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Modi to congratulate him and the National Democratic Alliance on their historic victory in India’s general election, Biden also commended the people of India for participating in the largest democratic exercise in human history. Putin and Modi “expressed satisfaction with the current level of the specially privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India, which will continue to expand in all directions,” said a readout by the Kremlin. “Today, he is just another politician, cut to size by the people.” More than 640 million votes were cast in the marathon election held over six weeks, the world’s largest democratic exercise.