Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi on assuming office as the new Prime Minister of Iraq, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. In a message posted on X, Modi described India’s ties with Iraq as “long-standing and friendly” and expressed hope for deeper cooperation aimed at the shared prosperity of both nations.
The congratulatory message came at an important political moment for Iraq, where Ali al-Zaidi has taken office amid continuing negotiations over the formation of a complete national unity government. Modi’s prompt outreach reflects India’s strategic interest in maintaining close diplomatic, economic, and energy ties with Baghdad during a period of political transition.
Iraq’s New Leadership and Political Challenges
Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi assumed office after Iraq’s parliament approved part of his proposed cabinet. Out of a planned 23-member cabinet, 14 ministers reportedly secured parliamentary approval, allowing the government to formally obtain confidence under Iraq’s constitutional framework.
However, major portfolios including the Interior and Defence Ministries remain unresolved because of disagreements among political factions. Iraq’s political system often requires delicate power-sharing negotiations between various ethnic, sectarian, and political groups, making cabinet formation a prolonged process.
Despite these challenges, the approval of key ministries such as oil and foreign affairs has allowed the new administration to begin functioning. Analysts view the formation of the government as an attempt to preserve political stability in a country still recovering from years of conflict, economic difficulties, and regional tensions.
India and Iraq’s Longstanding Strategic Relationship
India and Iraq share a relationship that extends far beyond traditional diplomacy. Energy cooperation remains the cornerstone of bilateral ties, with Iraq continuing to be one of India’s major crude oil suppliers. As India’s energy demands grow, maintaining stable relations with oil-producing nations like Iraq has become strategically vital.
At the same time, both countries have increasingly explored expanding cooperation beyond oil trade. Indian companies have shown interest in participating in Iraq’s reconstruction projects, infrastructure development, engineering services, and investment opportunities.
The relationship also carries a significant humanitarian dimension. Thousands of Iraqi citizens travel to India every year for medical treatment due to India’s affordable and advanced healthcare facilities. India has additionally extended scholarships, educational programmes, and rehabilitation support initiatives such as Jaipur Foot camps for Iraqi war veterans.
Why Modi’s Message Matters Diplomatically
Prime Minister Modi’s early congratulatory message carries broader diplomatic significance. By engaging Iraq’s new leadership immediately, India signals continuity, reliability, and strategic goodwill regardless of domestic political shifts inside Iraq.
The outreach also reflects India’s balanced and non-polarising foreign policy approach in West Asia. Unlike some global powers deeply entangled in regional rivalries, India has maintained constructive relations with multiple stakeholders across the Middle East while focusing on development, trade, and people-to-people ties.
This positioning allows India to strengthen partnerships without becoming directly involved in regional conflicts or political divisions.
Expanding Cooperation Beyond Energy
As Iraq seeks economic recovery and institutional stability, India could emerge as an increasingly important development partner. Cooperation in sectors such as infrastructure, technology, healthcare, education, and capacity building offers substantial opportunities for both countries.
A Partnership Rooted in Stability and Shared Interests
Prime Minister Modi’s message to Ali al-Zaidi highlights the importance India places on its relationship with Iraq at a time of political transition and regional uncertainty. Built on energy cooperation, economic engagement, and humanitarian ties, the partnership has steadily evolved into a broader strategic relationship. As Iraq’s new government takes shape, both nations appear keen to strengthen collaboration in ways that support stability, growth, and long-term mutual benefit.
(With agency inputs)
