Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 16 May extended congratulations to Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi on assuming office as Iraq's new Prime Minister, reaffirming India's commitment to deepening cooperation across all areas of the bilateral relationship. Modi conveyed his message through a post on X, signalling New Delhi's intent to engage actively with Baghdad's new leadership.

Modi's Message to the New Iraqi Leadership

In his post, Prime Minister Modi said: '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 message underscores the strategic importance New Delhi places on its relationship with Baghdad, a key partner in West Asia and a significant source of crude oil imports for India.

How Al-Zaidi Came to Power

Ali al-Zaidi was sworn in as Iraq's Prime Minister after Iraq's Parliament approved 14 members of his Cabinet during a session chaired by Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi. According to a parliamentary statement, 266 lawmakers voted in favour of the approved ministers.

Among those confirmed were Fuad Hussein, who retained his position as foreign minister; Bassim Mohammed Khudair as oil minister; and Faleh al-Sari as finance minister. Following the confidence vote, al-Zaidi and the approved ministers took the constitutional oath before Parliament, formally commencing the new administration's tenure.

Key Portfolios Still Pending

Notably, votes on critical portfolios — including the interior and defence ministries — were postponed due to the absence of political consensus. This partial Cabinet approval reflects the complex coalition dynamics that have historically characterised Iraqi politics.

Al-Zaidi was nominated by the Coordination Framework, Iraq's largest parliamentary bloc and a coalition of Shiite political parties. Iraqi President Nizar Amedi had formally appointed him as prime minister-designate on 27 April. Under Iraq's Constitution, a prime minister-designate is required to secure parliamentary approval for both the Cabinet and the government programme within 30 days before formally assuming office — a deadline al-Zaidi met.

Iraq's Power-Sharing Framework

Iraq continues to operate under the post-2003 power-sharing arrangement, under which the presidency is traditionally held by a Kurd, the parliamentary speakership by a Sunni Muslim, and the office of prime minister by a Shiite Muslim. Al-Zaidi's appointment follows this established convention.

With the new government now in place, attention will turn to whether Baghdad can resolve the outstanding ministerial deadlocks and advance a coherent policy agenda — outcomes that will shape the depth of its engagement with partners including India.