WASHINGTON, DC— Representative Eliot L. Engel released the following statement congratulating the Bharatiya Janata Party on its victory in India’s parliamentary elections.

“Today, over 500 million Indians' voices have been heard. I want to congratulate the people of India, who in holding the largest democratic exercise in the world, have set an example for us all.

“It is clear from the outcome announced today that Indians have overwhelmingly voted for change. I want to congratulate Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party on its victory. Prime Minister-elect Modi campaigned on a message of good governance and economic growth, and we stand ready to work with him to achieve these goals.

“I've had a longstanding interest in building stronger U.S.-India ties. I look forward to working with the Narendra Modi government to make the U.S.-India relationship one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.”

###