PM Modi Congratulates Ali Falih Kadhim al Zaidi On Taking Office As Iraq’s Prime Minister

Last Updated:May 16, 2026, 13:36 IST

India and Iraq share longstanding political and economic relations, with energy cooperation remaining a key pillar of the partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Ali Falih Kadhim al Zaidi after he assumed office as the Prime Minister of Iraq.

In a message shared on social media, Modi highlighted the strong ties between India and Iraq and reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to further expanding bilateral cooperation.

“Heartiest congratulations to Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi on assuming office as Prime Minister of Iraq. India highly values its longstanding and friendly ties with Iraq and remains firmly committed to further strengthening our bilateral ties in all areas," he wrote on X.

Who Is Ali Falih Kadhim al Zaidi?

Ali al Zaidi, a businessman and political newcomer, was nominated as Iraq’s prime minister by the country’s influential Coordination Framework alliance in April this year following weeks of political deadlock. Iraq’s parliament later approved parts of his Cabinet and government programme earlier this week.

Before stepping into active politics, Zaidi was associated with business interests in banking, media and trade. Political observers say he emerged as a consensus candidate amid differences within Iraq’s ruling alliance.

India Iraq Ties

India and Iraq share longstanding political and economic relations, with energy cooperation remaining a key pillar of the partnership. Iraq has consistently been among India’s largest crude oil suppliers in recent years. The two countries have also expanded cooperation in trade, investment, development and regional security.

The two countries have maintained regular diplomatic engagement through high level meetings. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar last met Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2024, where both sides discussed energy cooperation, connectivity and regional developments.

More recently, India has remained in close touch with Iraq amid tensions in West Asia and concerns over energy security and maritime trade routes. In March 2026, Jaishankar informed Parliament that India was closely monitoring the regional situation and maintaining coordination with countries across the Gulf, including Iraq, to safeguard energy supplies and Indian citizens in the region.

News india PM Modi Congratulates Ali Falih Kadhim al Zaidi On Taking Office As Iraq’s Prime Minister

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