Narendra Modi sailed to victory in what the Indian prime minister described as a “historic mandate.”
President Trump was quick to commend Modi’s victory.
“Congratulations to Prime Minister @NarendraModi and his BJP party on their BIG election victory! Great things are in store for the US-India partnership with the return of PM Modi at the helm. I look forward to continuing our important work together!”
Congratulations to Prime Minister @NarendraModi and his BJP party on their BIG election victory! Great things are in store for the US-India partnership with the return of PM Modi at the helm. I look forward to continuing our important work together!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 23, 2019
Despite joblessness at a record high, 68-year-old Modi’s re-election showed that voters don’t blame him or his party, Bharatiya Janata, for the economic downturn. Modi espouses a form of Hindu nationalism that is popular across the nation of more than 1 billion people.
“This election was fought not by politicians but the people of this country — but it’s the people of this country who have emerged victorious,” Modi told supporters Thursday. “We will never give up our ideals, our humility and our culture.”
Modi became prime minister in 2014. His party is projected to win 300 of the 543 seats in parliament. 600 million people voted in the election.
[Opinion: Why Narendra Modi’s win is great news for America]
