NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi on assuming office as Iraq’s Prime Minister and reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with the West Asian nation across key sectors including energy, trade and development cooperation.
In a message posted on social media platform X, Modi described India’s ties with Iraq as “longstanding and friendly” and expressed optimism that relations between the two countries would deepen further under the new Iraqi leadership.
“Heartiest congratulations to Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi on assuming office as Prime Minister of Iraq,” Modi said.
“India highly values its longstanding and friendly ties with Iraq and remains firmly committed to further strengthening our bilateral ties in all areas,” he added.
The Prime Minister also conveyed his best wishes to al-Zaidi and said he looked forward to working together to advance the prosperity and shared interests of both countries.
“I extend my best wishes to him and look forward to working together for the shared progress and prosperity of our two nations,” Modi said.
Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi, a businessman and political newcomer, was nominated as Iraq’s prime minister by the influential Coordination Framework alliance in April after weeks of political deadlock. Iraq’s parliament earlier this week approved parts of his Cabinet along with the government’s programme.
India and Iraq share historically close ties rooted in civilisational links, economic exchanges and energy cooperation. Iraq has remained one of India’s major crude oil suppliers, while bilateral engagement has expanded in sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, capacity building and cultural cooperation.
The two countries have also sought to enhance economic and strategic cooperation amid evolving geopolitical and energy dynamics in West Asia. In recent years, New Delhi has intensified its outreach to Gulf and West Asian nations as part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening energy security, boosting trade and improving regional connectivity.
India has consistently supported Iraq’s stability and reconstruction efforts following years of conflict and political turbulence. Bilateral engagement between the two sides has included high-level diplomatic exchanges and discussions focused on trade, investment and people-to-people ties.
Modi’s message comes as India continues to expand its diplomatic engagement across West Asia, a region that remains vital for India’s energy needs, commercial interests and the welfare of millions of Indians living and working there.
Agencies
PM Modi congratulates Iraq’s new Prime Minister, reaffirms strong bilateral ties
