New Delhi: Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi on December 2 congratulated Andry Rajoelina on his re-election as the President of country in East Africa, Madagascar.

PM Modi further said that he is looking forward to work closely with him to further strengthen bilateral ties between India-Madagascar.

Positing on X Prime Minister Narendra Modi said:

"Hearty congratulations @SE_Rajoelina on your re-election as the President of Madagascar. Look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen India-Madagascar partnership and Vision SAGAR."

President Andry Rajoelina won the presidential election again by more than 50 per cent of the votes. Rajoelina got a total of 2,856,090 votes or 58.95 per cent Madagascar's Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) had earlier said at a press conference.

India-Madagascar relations:

India's links with Madagascar date back to 18th century. The 19th an 20th Century witnessed steady increase in the number of people arriving in Madagascar from India.

President of India Ram Nath Kovind paid a historic visit to Madagascar on 14-15 March 2018. This was the first ever VVIP visit from India to Madagascar. During the visit, he met the President of Madagascar Hery Rajaonarimampianina, addressed the students at the University of Antananarivo and inaugurated a CGARD center (Center for Geo Applications in the Area of Rural Development) that was set up by Indian assistance. Two agreements for cooperation in Defence and Air Services were signed.

While, Foreign Minister of Madagascar Richard Randriamandrato visited India to participate in the 7th edition of Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi from 25-27 April 2022. During the visit, he called on Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and also met EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar. The meeting focused on taking forward the development partnership.

President of the Republic of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina participated in the Inaugural Session of the 4th International Conference of CDRI on 4 May 2022 through a video message. President of the Republic of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina sent a video message for the launch of "Mission LiFE" by PM Narendra Modi & UNSG Antonio Guterres on 20 October 2022.