There is a great partnership at the government and people-to-people level, says US State Department Spokesperson
In a significant acknowledgment of democratic processes, the United States has praised India’s parliamentary elections as the "largest exercise of democracy in history." This commendation came from the State Department on Tuesday (June 4, 2024), highlighting the successful completion of a massive electoral process in the world’s most populous democracy.

State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller commended both the Indian government and its voters for participating in such an extensive electoral exercise. “On behalf of the United States, we want to commend the government of India and voters there for successfully completing and participating in such a massive electoral undertaking, and we look forward to seeing final results,” Miller stated during his daily news briefing.

While commending the democratic process, Miller emphasized the US stance on not commenting on the outcomes of elections worldwide. "I'm also not going to comment on winners and losers in elections as is our case around the world. What is important for us and what we have seen over the past six weeks is the largest exercise of democracy in history, as the Indian people came to the polls," he added.

The United States holds a non-partisan approach regarding foreign elections, focusing instead on the integrity and execution of the democratic process itself.

Amid this backdrop, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was poised to form the government for a third consecutive term. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Modi, secured 240 seats, making it the single largest party in the 543-member Lok Sabha. The BJP’s key allies, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), were winning 16 and 12 seats in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, respectively. With the support of other allies, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) crossed the 272-majority mark necessary for forming the government.

Despite refraining from commenting on the specific election results, the US expressed optimism about the continued strong ties between the two countries. "I expect a continued close partnership between the US and India. There is a great partnership - both at the government level and at the people-to-people level - and I fully expect that to continue," a State Department spokesperson told reporters.

Last year, during a visit by Prime Minister Modi to the United States, the two countries announced a range of agreements spanning semiconductors, critical minerals, technology, defense, and space cooperation. These agreements are part of a broader strategy to bolster bilateral ties and cooperation in critical sectors.

India's elections, often described as a logistical marvel, involve millions of voters across a vast and diverse landscape. The peaceful and orderly conduct of these elections is seen as a testament to the strength of Indian democracy.

As India moves forward with the newly elected government, the international community, including the United States, watches closely. The emphasis remains on the democratic process and the principles that underpin it. The continued partnership between the US and India, rooted in shared democratic values and strategic interests, is expected to grow stronger in the coming years.

The US’s commendation of India's elections reflects a broader appreciation of democratic principles while maintaining a strategic stance on the outcomes. The focus remains on the integrity of the process and the continued partnership between two of the world’s largest democracies.