Modi credits Swaraj, MEA for Bhandari’s re-election
Prime Minister Narendra Modi credited on Tuesday the efforts of external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and foreign ministry officials for the re-election of Dalveer Bhandari to the International Court of Justice.
After the results came out, PM Modi expressed gratitude to members of the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council for “their support and trust in India.”
“Congratulations to EAM @SushmaSwaraj and her entire team at MEA & diplomatic missions for their untiring efforts that have led to India’s re-election to ICJ.
“Our deep gratitude to all the members of UNGA as well as UNSC for their support and trust in India.”
Bhandari sailed through after Britain withdrew its candidate from a hard-fought race to the World Court. Bhandari and UK’s Christopher Greenwood were locked in a neck-and-neck fight for re-election, as the UN could not decide between them after electing four out of five judges to the ICJ.
Amit Shah, the president of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, described Bhandari’s re-election as a “huge diplomatic win” and applauded PM Modi and Swaraj. Congratulating Bhandari, Shah said his win was a reflection of a “strong and decisive” leadership.
BJP chief Shah tweeted: “With every step and effort of the Modi Government, we see the reflection of a strong and decisive leadership. I applaud Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for this huge diplomatic win.”
Bhandari, 70, received 183-193 votes at the General Assembly and secured all 15 votes in the Security Council to fill the final vacancy on the ICJ after separate but simultaneous elections were held at the UN headquarters.
“Vande Matram - India wins election to the International Court of Justice. JaiHind,” tweeted Swaraj.
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