New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is among heads of government who have congratulated Labour leader Keir Starmer on winning the general election in the United Kingdom. Starmer is set to become the prime minister of the UK, ending 14 years of the Tories’ rule in the island.
On July 5, Modi wrote on X, “Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to [Keir Starmer] on the remarkable victory in the UK general elections. I look forward to our positive and constructive collaboration to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in all areas, fostering mutual growth and prosperity.”
He also added a separate post to the outgoing Indian-origin prime minister, Rishi Sunak. “Thank you [Rishi Sunak] for your admirable leadership of the UK, and your active contribution to deepen the ties between India and the UK during your term in office. Best wishes to you and your family for the future.”
Sunak is the leader of the Conservative Party and the son-in-law of Infosys billionaire Narayan Murthy.
Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, offered Starmer his warmest wishes.
“I send my warmest congratulations to [Starmer]. As he prepares to enter Downing Street as Prime Minister, I look forward to working together with him and his new government to bring our hostages home, to build a better future for the region, and to deepen the close friendship between Israel and the United Kingdom.
“I also express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to outgoing Prime Minister [Sunak] for his leadership and for standing with the Israeli people especially during this most difficult period.
Both Sunak and Starmer have had unrelentingly pro-Israel stances through the country’s strikes on Palestine.
French president Emmanuel Macron, who lost a snap poll gamble and ended up losing the legislative election to the far-right, also offered his congratulations.
“Congratulations Sir [Starmer] on your victory. Pleased with our first discussion.
“We will continue the work begun with the UK for our bilateral cooperation, for peace and security in Europe, for the climate and for AI.”
Canada prime minister Justin Trudeau wrote a spirited post on X, in which he called Starmer his friend and exhorted upon him to “get to it.”
“Congratulations, [Starmer], on a historic U.K. election victory.
“Lots of work ahead to build a more progressive, fair future for people on both sides of the Atlantic. Let’s get to it, my friend.”
Along with congratulations, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese wrote that he looks forward to working constructively with the incoming UK Labour government.
