PRIME Minister Stephen Harper on Friday congratulated Narendra Modi for his party’s electoral success, saying, “Canada and India enjoy a rich, long-standing relationship, underpinned by strong people-to-people ties and a one million member-strong Indo-Canadian community. I look forward to working with Prime Minister-elect Modi and the new government of India to further strengthen our social and economic partnership to the benefit of our citizens.

“I commend the more than 550 million Indian citizens who peacefully exercised their right to vote. The unprecedented scale of these elections emphasizes both the vitality and strength of India’s democracy. Canada is proud to share with India the values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

“I would also like to thank India’s outgoing Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, for his role in strengthening Canada-India relations.”

Oddly, the statement was not sent to the South Asian media and was probably issued much later in the day.

Earlier in the day, Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights, on Friday congratulated Narendra Modi and the BJP on their electoral victory in India’s parliamentary election.

Obhari said: “These elections clearly illustrate that Mr. Modi’s message of economic revival resonated with the Indian electorate. Under the leadership of Mr. Modi, India is poised to reach greater heights.

“It is our hope that the reforms implemented by Mr. Modi in Gujarat can be replicated throughout India.

“Our government is committed in supporting and working with Mr. Modi as he embarks on his reforms that will not only benefit Indians but also Canadians.

“Once again I congratulate Mr. Modi and the BJP.

“I would also like to congratulate the Election Commission of India for organizing an open and transparent election.”