Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Labour leader Keir Starmer on winning the UK general elections and said he is looking forward to a positive collaboration to further strengthen India-UK ties.
"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 said on X (formally Twitter)
PM Modi also thanked the outgoing Prime Minister of Britain, Rishi Sunak, for his 'admirable' leadership of the UK and actively contributing towards deepening India-UK ties.
"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," he said.
Keir Starmer is set to become Britain's next prime minister after his Labour Party hurled towards a landslide majority on Friday in the parliamentary elections and dealt a bruising defeat for incumbent premier Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party.
As Labour crossed the halfway mark of 650 constituencies to clinch the minimum 326 required for a majority in Parliament, Starmer, 61, stepped up to make his victory speech in London just hours away from formally becoming the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Sunak conceded the Conservative Party's defeat in the 2024 general election on Friday and saying the opposition Labour Party had won.
"The Labour Party has won this general election and I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory. Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides. That is something that should give us all confidence in our country's stability and future," Sunak said after winning his parliamentary seat in northern England.