Trudeau’s comments come at a time when the ties between the two countries are at an all-time low following Canada’s allegations of Indian government’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June last year. India has rejected the allegations as “absurd” and “motivated”.

A day after the phone call between Modi and US President Joe Biden, the White House said US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is scheduled to visit India to engage the new government on shared US-India priorities.

Sullivan’s visit was discussed during the phone call Biden made to PM Modi on Wednesday to congratulate him on his re-election. The US NSA’s visit has been cancelled twice in the last six months.

“President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to congratulate him and the National Democratic Alliance on their historic victory in India’s general election,” the White House said in a readout of the call.

Biden also commended the people of India for participating in the elections, with nearly 650 million going to the polls to vote, the readout said.

The two leaders emphasised their commitment to deepening the US-India Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership and to advancing their shared vision of a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, it said.

“The two leaders also discussed National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s upcoming travel to New Delhi to engage the new government on shared US-India priorities, including the trusted, strategic technology partnership,” the White House said.

Sullivan’s travel dates to India have not been announced yet, but is expected to be within days of Modi being sworn in for the third time.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also spoke to PM Modi on Thursday to congratulate him on his election victory, a statement from the PMO here said.

“The two leaders agreed to continue strengthening bilateral relations and to bring them to new heights in the near future,” the statement read. Netanyahu on Wednesday also took to X to congratulate Modi expressing hopes that Indo-Israel ties surge to “new heights”.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also spoke with Modi to congratulate him on his election victory. “Australia and India are close friends, with strong strategic, economic and cultural ties. We look forward to growing our partnership in 2024 and beyond,” he said.

Philippines President Bongbong Marcos sent warmest congratulations to Modi for securing a fresh mandate.

“The last decade has shown India as a sincere friend to the Philippines & I look forward to the further strengthening of our bilateral and regional partnership in the years ahead,” he said.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wished Modi a very successful third term in promoting sustainable development, combating inequalities and strengthening cooperation between our countries.

“Brazil and India are allies in confronting injustices in the international order and in the fight against hunger and poverty. May we meet at the G20 and IBSA Summits here in Brazil and continue working together,” he posted on X.

“Warm congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Indian election results. Wonderful to see the celebration of democracy in the world’s largest voting exercise. I look forward to working with India’s Government to achieve a meaningful lift in New Zealand-India ties,” New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said.

Estonia Prime Minister Kaja Kallas in her message on Modi’s victory said: “Happy to see that in recent years bilateral relations between #Estonia and #India have expanded. Looking forward to further cooperation in the digital and cyber sphere and strengthening ties between industry.”

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen also congratulated the people of India and Modi. “As the EU moves into its own elections, we celebrate the voice of the people in our democracies, the two biggest in the world. I look forward to a continued fruitful partnership between the EU and India,” she said.