Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated Simon Harris on becoming Ireland’s youngest PM, expressing hope for cooperation in strengthening the ties between India and Ireland.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Congratulations @SimonHarrisTD on becoming youngest ever Prime Minister of Ireland. Highly value our historical ties that are based on shared belief in democratic values. Looking forward to working together to further strengthen India- Ireland bilateral partnership.”
Harris, the youngest PM in Irish history, was elected by the parliament on Monday to succeed Leo Varadkar, who stepped down unexpectedly last month. His nomination, backed by the coalition partners Green Party and Fianna Fail, was approved with a vote of 88-69.
The 37-year-old former minister of health and higher education–best known for guiding Ireland’s early response to the Covid-19 pandemic– was elected head of the centre-right Fine Gael party last month. His appointment came days after Varadkar’s shocking resignation, without facing any opposition.
Recognising the coalition partners in his new administration who backed his candidature, Harris said that he plans to lead “in the spirit of unity, collaboration, and mutual respect.”
(With ANI input)