PM Modi congratulates Labour's Keir Starmer for landslide UK poll victory

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Labour Party's Keir Starmer, who is set to become the next UK prime minister after sweeping the general elections.
UK Labour Party has secured over 400 out of the 650 seats in parliament, as was predicted by the exit poll.
"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," said PM Modi in a post on X.
PM Modi also praised outgoing UK PM Rishi Sunak for his "admirable leadership" and "active contribution" to deepen India-UK bilateral ties.
"Thank you Rishi Sunk 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 Modi wrote.
Poised to be UK PM, Starmer has in the past sought to mend the strained relationship between Labour and India.
He had recognised the need to build a stronger strategic partnership with India if Labour formed the next government, which will soon be a reality.
Starmer has also acknowledged past missteps by the Labour Party in handling relations with India, particularly over the party's perceived stance favouring Pakistan in the Kashmir issue.
He has emphasised the importance of cultivating a proper relationship with India moving forward.
Under Starmer's leadership, the Labour Party has committed to stamping out any anti-India sentiments within its ranks. The party chair, Anneliese Dodds, has claimed that the party has "cleansed its ranks of any members with extremist views" on India.
Starmer and the Labour Party have taken a more pro-India stance compared to the party's previous leadership under Jeremy Corbyn. They are seeking to rebuild trust and strengthen the strategic partnership between the UK and India if they form the next government.