India Congratulates Iraq's New Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi
India's Warm Wishes to Iraq's New Leadership
Iraq's new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, center, during a handover ceremony in Baghdad, on Saturday. (Photo:PTI)
New Delhi, May 16: On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi for taking office as Iraq's new Prime Minister, emphasizing India's dedication to enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation between the two nations.
In a message posted on X, Modi expressed, “Heartfelt congratulations to Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi on becoming Prime Minister of Iraq. India cherishes its enduring and amicable relationship with Iraq and is committed to further strengthening our ties across various sectors. I wish him all the best and look forward to collaborating for the mutual progress and prosperity of our countries.”
Ali al-Zaidi officially became Iraq’s Prime Minister after receiving parliamentary approval for a partial Cabinet, amidst ongoing discussions regarding several key ministerial roles.
The Iraqi Parliament sanctioned 14 members of the new Cabinet, while voting on crucial positions such as the interior and defense ministries was deferred due to a lack of political agreement.
As per a parliamentary announcement, 266 lawmakers supported the approved ministers during a session led by Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi. Among those confirmed were Fuad Hussein, who continues as foreign minister, Bassim Mohammed Khudair as oil minister, and Faleh al-Sari as finance minister.
After the confidence vote, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and the 14 approved ministers took their constitutional oath before Parliament, marking the official start of the new administration.
According to Iraq’s Constitution, a prime minister-designate must obtain parliamentary approval for both the Cabinet and the government program before officially taking office.
On April 27, Iraqi President Nizar Amedi appointed Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate. Al-Zaidi was nominated by the Coordination Framework, which is the largest parliamentary bloc and a coalition of Shiite political parties.
The Iraqi Constitution allows a prime minister-designate 30 days to present a Cabinet and government agenda to Parliament for a confidence vote.
Iraq continues to adhere to its post-2003 power-sharing framework, where the presidency is typically held by a Kurd, the parliamentary speakership by a Sunni Muslim, and the prime ministership by a Shiite Muslim.