PM, President hope upswing in ties under Donald Trump

After Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump pulled off what is perhaps the most stunning victory in the history of US Presidential polls to date — despite opinion polls predicting a Hillary Clinton victory — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee congratulated Mr Trump on Wednesday.

“Congratulations on being elected as the 45th US President. We appreciate the friendship you have articulated towards India during your campaign, @realDonald-Trump. We look forward to working with you closely to take India-US bilateral ties to a new height,” said the PM in a tweet.

He said the country looks forward to working closely with Trump to strengthen bilateral ties.

“We look forward to working with you closely to take India-US bilateral ties to a new height,” the Prime Minister said.

Mr Mukherjee also congratulated Mr Trump and expressed hope that a “new era” will be ushered in the growing Indo-US partnership.

“Our strategic and economic interests increasingly overlap. We also face common challenges. There is enormous potential for building synergies between our countries. I hope your Presidency will usher in a new era in the growing India-US partnership,” the President said in a message to Mr Trump. Mr Mukherjee said Mr Trump’s victory is a celebration of the spirit of individual heroism that has always defined the American national identity. “It is also a celebration of people’s power that nurtures democracies like India and the US,” he said.

“As you prepare to take up your responsibilities, I convey my best wishes for your success in office and for your personal wellbeing,” the President was quoted by his spokesman as saying in the message.