Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined a chorus of world leaders congratulating Keir Starmer on his resounding victory in the UK general election, marking the end of 14 years of Conservative party rule. Taking to X, PM Modi expressed his anticipation for strengthening the India-UK partnership across all domains. “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,” the PM posted on X.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed gratitude to outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his dedication to deepening ties between India and the UK. “Thank you @RishiSunak 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,” PM added.
According to a Guardian report, while world leaders lauded Starmer’s victory, they also acknowledged the complex global challenges he will face as prime minister.
Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, taking to X, conveyed his hope for cooperation with the new British government as the war in Gaza continues. “I send my warmest congratulations to @Keir_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,” he wrote. “I also express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to outgoing Prime Minister @RishiSunak for his leadership and for standing with the Israeli people especially during this most difficult period,” he further added.
Congratulating Starmer on his convincing win, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the enduring alliance between his country and the UK. “Congratulations to @Keir_Starmer and @UKLabour on their convincing election victory. Ukraine and the United Kingdom have been and will continue to be reliable allies through thick and thin. We will continue to defend and advance our common values of life, freedom, and a rules-based international order. I wish the incoming government every success both in domestic affairs and in solidifying the UK’s leadership on the world stage,” he posted on X.
Zelenskyy expressed his intention to collaborate closely on strengthening the Ukraine-UK partnership and restoring international peace and security. He also thanked Sunak for his support in Ukraine’s defense against Russia. “I am grateful to my good friend @RishiSunak for the UK government’s steadfast support under his leadership. Challenger tanks, Storm Shadow missiles, F-16 training for our pilots, and the first bilateral security cooperation agreement are just a few of our shared achievements that Ukraine will never forget. Thank you, Rishi,” he said on X.
French President Emmanuel Macron, joining the chorus of congratulations, expressed his pleasure over their initial discussions. “Congratulations Sir @Keir_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,” Macron wrote on X.
Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, wrote on X, “Congratulation @Keir_Starmer on your electoral victory. I look forward to working with you in a constructive partnership to address common challenges and strengthen European security.”
Prime Kaja Kallas, the prime minister of Estonia and poised to become the EU’s top diplomat, sent a message highlighting the importance of “common security” – an allusion to the growing fears triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Congratulations on your historic election victory, @Keir_Starmer. Estonia and the UK are the strongest of allies and the closest of friends. The UK’s commitment to our common security is valued by every Estonian. I’m sure our excellent cooperation will only continue to thrive,” Kallas wrote on X.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted the shared views between Starmer and other Labour Party leaders and Australia on a range of issues. “We have a strong relationship between our two countries, but in Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner and so many others who I am very familiar with in the British Labour Party, I look forward very much to working with them. They have very similar views to us on a range of issues. I’m sure we’ll work closely on AUKUS, where we worked very closely as well with the former government,” Albanese told reporters.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reminded Starmer of the extensive work required to build a fair future for both sides of the Atlantic. “Congratulations, @Keir_Starmer, on a historic UK 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,” he posted on X.
Congratulating Starmer, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasized the strong friendship between New Zealand and the UK. “Congratulations @Keir_Starmer on your election victory. New Zealand and the UK are great friends and can do so much more together. I look forward to working on every opportunity together as prime ministers. Thank you @RishiSunak for your service to your nation and friendship to New Zealand,” Luxon posted on X.
Britain’s Labour Party, after more than a decade in opposition, secured a landslide victory in Friday’s election, reflecting a jaded electorate’s desire for change. Labour leader Keir Starmer is set to become prime minister later in the day, marking the party’s return to power less than five years after suffering its worst defeat in nearly a century. In the ruthless choreography of British politics, he will assume his position at 10 Downing St. shortly after Thursday’s votes are counted, as Conservative leader Rishi Sunak departs.
With inputs from agencies.
