'Look forward to working closely with you': PM Modi congratulates Argentina's Javier Milei on election victory

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Javier Milei on his victory in the Argentina Presidential elections and expressed optimism about enhancing the strategic partnership between India and Argentina.

PM Modi said, “Congratulations @JMilei for the victory in the Presidential elections. Look forward to working closely with you to diversify and expand India-Argentina strategic partnership.”

Congratulations @JMilei for the victory in the Presidential elections. Look forward to working closely with you to diversify and expand India-Argentina strategic partnership.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 20, 2023

Milei secured a victory in the Argentina presidential elections by a wider margin than anticipated, clinching 56 per cent of the vote compared to his rival, Peronist Economy Minister Sergio Massa’s just over 44 per cent, who conceded defeat, reported Reuters.

In a defiant post-results speech, Milei declared an end to the “model of decadence” but acknowledged the monumental challenges ahead, including inflation, unemployment, and poverty. He emphasised the critical situation, stating that half-hearted measures were not acceptable.

In downtown Buenos Aires, hundreds of Milei supporters celebrated with honking horns and chants against the political elite. Milei’s promise of economic shock therapy, involving measures like shutting down the central bank, abandoning the peso, and significant spending cuts, resonated with voters frustrated by economic struggles.

Milei faces significant hurdles, including depleted government and central bank coffers, a substantial $44 billion debt program with the International Monetary Fund, inflation approaching 150 per cent, and complex capital controls.

Despite Milei’s criticism of China and Brazil, expressing reluctance to engage with “communists” and advocating for stronger US ties, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva extended wishes for Milei’s success, emphasising the importance of respecting democracy.

Former US President Donald Trump congratulated Milei, endorsing the libertarian leader with the sentiment that he would “make Argentina great again.”

With inputs from agencies