Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday became one of the first sitting heads of government to congratulate President-elect Donald Trump on his election victory. Later in the day, Mr. Modi confirmed that Mr. Trump had called him to resume contact and emphasize the priority of US-India relations.
President-elect Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday, becoming the second U.S. president in history to serve two non-consecutive terms after Grover Cleveland. World leaders, from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to Argentina's Javier Milei, quickly began to offer their congratulations, while the rogue nation that endured difficult times under the first Trump presidency continued to struggle with the election. Ignored it as irrelevant.
Mr. Modi, a Hindu nationalist and one of India's longest-serving prime ministers, was among the first to congratulate Mr. Trump. His call was notable because Trump defeated his rival, the first Indian-American vice president and perhaps the first Indian-American president in history.
Mr Modi shared a photo taken with the president-elect during his first term and expressed optimism at the opportunity to work together again.
“My heartfelt congratulations to my friend The Real Donald Trump on his historic election victory,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted. “Building on the successes of the previous term, we look forward to renewing our cooperation to further strengthen the comprehensive global and strategic partnership between India and the United States.”
“Let us work together to uplift our people and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the world,” he said.
Late Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi shared online that he had spoken to President Trump after the latter's victory.
“Had a great conversation with my friend the Real Donald Trump and congratulated him on his stunning victory,” PM Modi wrote. “We look forward to working closely again to further strengthen India-US relations across technology, defence, energy, space and several other areas.”
Mr. Modi and Mr. Trump maintained close ties during Mr. Trump's first term. President Trump has often leveraged India as an emerging power, an ally against communist China and a strong economic and trade partner. In 2019, Mr. Modi and Mr. Trump co-headlined a rally for Indian Americans in Texas titled “Hello, Modi!” Both men addressed 50,000 supporters.
“Before we take care of illegal immigrants coming into our country, we're going to take care of our Indian American people,” President Trump promised the audience at the time.
At the event, Prime Minister Modi declared President Trump a friend and added: “I admire him even more for his sense of leadership, his passion for America, his concern for all Americans, his belief in America's future, and his strong determination to make America great.” He has already made the American economy strong again. ”
“People say I'm a tough negotiator, but he himself is a master of agreements, and I'm learning a lot from him,” Trump said.
A year later, President Trump awarded Modi the Legion of Merit, a military honor, for his role in improving U.S.-India relations.
Mr. Modi appears to have supported Mr. Trump as a presidential candidate during the 2020 campaign.
Prime Minister Modi said at the time, “We in India have good relations with President Trump, and candidate Trump's words “Abki Baar, Trump Sarkar'' resonated clearly with us,'' adding, “This time Trump He used a phrase that means “It's your turn.” This is a variation of Prime Minister Modi's own election slogan.
President Trump addressed Indian Americans as part of his larger 2024 election campaign. In early November, President Trump sent greetings to Indians and Hindu Americans on the occasion of Diwali, pledging to “protect Hindu Americans from the anti-religious policies of extremists.” left. “
“Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus around the world and in America,” Trump wrote. “From Israel to Ukraine to our southern border, disaster continues, but we will make America strong again and restore peace through strength!”
Trump is generally popular among Modi supporters in India. After a failed assassination attempt against Trump in July, Hindu Sena priests held special prayers to protect him.
“I am deeply concerned by the attack on my friend former President Donald Trump. I strongly condemn this incident,” Prime Minister Modi said in a statement at the time. “Violence has no place in politics and democracy. We wish him a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and those injured, and the American people.”
