PM Modi Congratulates Iraq’s New Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi; Reaffirms Strong Bilateral Ties

New Delhi (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi on assuming office as the new Prime Minister of Iraq. PM Modi reaffirmed India’s firm commitment to deepening long-standing bilateral relations and driving shared economic progress between the two nations.

In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi stated, “Heartiest congratulations to Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi on assuming office as Prime Minister of Iraq. India highly values its long-standing and friendly ties with Iraq and remains firmly committed to further strengthening our bilateral ties in all areas. I extend my best wishes to him and look forward to working together for the shared progress and prosperity of our two nations.”

The Political Transition in Baghdad

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and 14 approved cabinet ministers took the constitutional oath before the Iraqi Parliament after securing vital parliamentary approval. During a session chaired by Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi, 266 lawmakers voted in favor of the incoming administration’s government program and partial cabinet.

While political negotiations continue over key ministries, several crucial portfolios secured immediate confirmation:

• Foreign Ministry: Fuad Hussein retains his position as Foreign Minister.
• Oil Ministry: Bassim Mohammed Khudair takes charge as Oil Minister.
• Finance Ministry: Faleh al-Sari assumes office as Finance Minister.

Parliamentary voting on the critical interior and defence portfolios remains postponed for a later date until the political blocs reach a full consensus.

Constitutional Timeline and Power-Sharing Structure

Iraqi President Nizar Amedi originally appointed Ali al-Zaidi as Prime Minister-designate on April 27, following his nomination by the Coordination Framework—a powerful coalition of Shiite political parties and the largest bloc in parliament. Al-Zaidi successfully finalized his initial cabinet within the mandatory 30-day constitutional window.

Iraq continues to navigate its governance through its established post-2003 power-sharing system. Under this political framework, a member of the Kurdish community holds the presidency, a Sunni Muslim serves as the parliamentary speaker, and a Shiite Muslim leads the government as prime minister.