President keen to strengthen ties with India as Modi wins election

June 5, 2024 at 9:45 AM

As the closest neighbour, Sri Lanka looks forward to further strengthening the partnership with India, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said extending his wishes to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his election victory.

“I extend my warmest felicitations to the @BJP4India led NDA on its victory, demonstrating the confidence of the Indian people in the progress and prosperity under the leadership of PM @narendramodi,” said President Wickremesinghe, in a post on ‘X’. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared victory in national elections on Tuesday evening, but his goal of winning an unassailable majority was left in tatters after voters delivered a shock result that reduced the extent of his party’s grip on power.

Modi is set to form a government with the help of his NDA allies – a third consecutive term and a landmark that makes him one of the most successful politicians in post-independence India.

Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party fell short of securing the 272 seats needed to win an outright majority in parliament, a stunning upset that leaves them reliant on coalition partners to form a government.

Modi’s NDA alliance won 292 seats combined, out of which his BJP alone secured 240. (Newswire)