PM Modi congratulates Malaysian counterpart over phone on his victory

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday made a telephone call to his Malaysian counterpart Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and congratulated him on assuming office as the new Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed his good wishes for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Malaysia.

He stated that the close and mutually beneficial India-Malaysia ties are based on the strong foundation of shared values, interests and vibrant people-to-people relations.

The Prime Minister said that he looked forward to working with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to further strengthen the India-Malaysia strategic partnership.

On Friday, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Mahathir on his stunning victory in the just-concluded Malaysian general election.

The Prime Minister took to Twitter and wrote, "Heartiest congratulations to Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Malaysia. I look forward to working closely with Dr. Mahathir to further strengthen the mutually beneficial strategic partnership between our two countries."

On May 9, Mahathir-led Pakatan Harapan party (Alliance of Hope) defeated the Barisan Nasional coalition that has ruled the nation for 61 years since independence from Britain. He won a majority in the Malaysian Parliament as it emerged victorious in 122 out of 222 seats, which was enough for him to form the government.

On May 10, Mahathir was sworn in as the seventh Prime Minister of Malaysia at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur. He also became the world's oldest leader to head a government.