Modi 3.0: Indian-Americans congratulate NDA for close election victory

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an election rally in Mathurapur on May.29. / X/@narendramodi

Despite a reduced mandate, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is poised to form a government at the Centre for a third consecutive term. This comes after vote counting concluded and the Election Commission announced the final results on June.5.

The Lok Sabha elections across 543 constituencies started on Apr.19 and concluded on June.1 in seven phases. The counting of votes began on June.4 and concluded on June.5, with the Beed constituency in Maharashtra announcing the last result.

According to the poll body, the BJP won 240 seats, while the Congress bagged 99 seats. Short of the 272 majority mark, the BJP will now need its key allies to step up to stake claim at the central government. This result was nothing like the exit polls predicted; which said that the NDA would surpass the 2019 performance when it secured 352 seats.

Despite the disappointment, Indian-American supporters have continued rooting for PM Modi as he seeks a third term in power. If elected to power again in 2024, Modi would become the second prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to be elected thrice consecutively.

Here are some reactions to Modi’s close election victory:

US-India Business Council

Atul Keshap, the president ambassador of US-India Business Council (USIBC), said he was truly impressed with the electoral choice “in the history of our species”.

“Yet again, the people of India have shown their great devotion to democracy and human freedom and have inspired the entire world,” he wrote in a post on X. “Hundreds of millions of India’s citizens have spoken through the ballot, and awarded Prime Minister Modi a historic third consecutive term as India’s leader.” 

The USIBC even congratulated all Indians on the successful completion of the Lok Sabha elections and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the National Democratic Alliance on their expanded mandate.

“We look forward to working with the Prime Minister, his Cabinet, and all of India’s elected leaders to continue to expand trade and investment between India and the United States, helping Indians to achieve their aspirations for greater prosperity and development,” Keshap added.

India's national election is truly impressive as the greatest exercise of electoral choice in the history of our species. Yet again, the people of India have shown their great devotion to Democracy and human freedom and have inspired the entire world. Hundreds of millions of… pic.twitter.com/8EwQRHc2mW

— Atul Keshap (@USAmbKeshap) June 4, 2024

US-India Strategic Partnership Forum

The Board of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) also extended its congratulations to Indian citizens and called the electorate “the backbone and hallmark of any democracy”.

“The vibrancy and resilience of India's democracy are truly exemplary, showcasing the country's steadfast commitment to democratic values and principles. The global community observed this monumental exercise, which saw just under a billion voters participating in the festival of democracy, with profound admiration and will draw valuable lessons from India's democratic process,” it said in a statement.

The Board also congratulated NDA on a historic third consecutive term in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. 

“Since its inception in 2017, USISPF has been honored to work closely with both governments to strengthen the US-India Strategic Partnership. We look forward to continuing our work with the Government of India to strengthen the enduring bonds between the world's oldest and largest democracies.”

It continued: “Our partnership will focus on fostering deeper economic and commercial ties, enhancing bilateral trade, strengthening strategic cooperation and collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, and deepening people-to-people ties. Together, we will work towards a prosperous and secure future for both nations, making it one of the most consequential relationships in the 21st century.”

Indian-American entrepreneur Ajay Bhutoria

Indian-American entrepreneur Ajay Bhutoria called the NDA win “a testament to the strength of India’s democracy, showcased through the largest democratic voting process in history”.

“The people of India have chosen a path of economic development and social justice, reaffirming their trust in Prime Minister Modi's leadership,” he added.

“India is on a promising trajectory to become the world's third-largest economy in the coming years, further solidifying its global leadership and economic growth. Under Prime Minister Modi's guidance, the nation is poised to achieve new heights. The energy and enthusiasm evident in the election results indicate that the most glorious days for India lie ahead.”

Bhutoria said he is optimistic that India will achieve “even greater success” under Modi’s leadership.

“The US-India partnership is set to strengthen and deepen with the return of Prime Minister Modi. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and President Biden, we anticipate a robust and flourishing relationship in the years ahead.”

Congratulations to @narendramodi on your historic victory securing a third term. This win highlights strength of India's democracy.US-India partnership will strengthen & flourish with strong leadership of President Biden & PM Modi Exciting times ahead for both nations @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/WYyYK41vKI

— Ajay Jain Bhutoria (@ajainb) June 4, 2024

Ronak D Desai, partner and leading India practitioner at Paul Hastings LLP

Washington-based Ronak D Desai, partner and leading India practitioner at Paul Hastings LLP, said that the results were “a testament to the unparalleled wisdom of the Indian voter, who continues to confound pundits and analysts, not just in India but around the world”.

“This is a celebration of the vibrancy and resilience of the country’s democracy,” Desaid added. “The results are a potent reminder that the screaming headlines heralding the death of democracy in India remain greatly exaggerated.”

India’s elections were free, fair, and simply staggering in their sheer scope and size, Desai said.

“This was the greatest exercise of democracy in human history and represents a huge triumph for the democratic principles upon which the country was founded. In the grand tapestry of democracy, the Indian electorate has woven a narrative of profound significance. Their verdict, delivered through more than a million ballot boxes across the country, underscores the enduring strength and sophistication of India’s democratic ethos.”

The electoral process, he said, was a humbling reminder that above any political party or person, the Indian voter reigns supreme.

Florencia Soto Niño, associate spokesperson for the Secretary-General at United Nations

During a June.4 briefing at the United Nations, Florencia Soto Niño, associate spokesperson for the Secretary-General was asked to comment on the elections in India. As the vote counting was still underway, Florencia said that the UN could not make an official comment.

However, Florencia added: “But we, of course, want to congratulate the people of India for engaging in this massive exercise of democracy, as they are the largest democratic elections in the world. And we hope to have a much more official statement once everything has been said and done.”