PM Modi Hails Hakainde Hichilema’s Re-election as Zambia President

New Delhi, August 21, 2026; Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his congratulations to Hakainde Hichilema following his re-election as President of Zambia, expressing India’s commitment to deepening its longstanding relationship with the African nation.

In a message posted on social media, Prime Minister Modi said India attaches considerable importance to its broad-based partnership with Zambia and expressed his intention to work with President Hichilema to further expand bilateral cooperation during his new term.

Hichilema secured a decisive victory in Zambia’s presidential election after receiving more than 2.9 million valid votes, according to figures released by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). His vote share crossed the constitutional requirement of more than 50 per cent, allowing him to retain the presidency without a second-round contest.

The official result was announced by ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis at the National Election Results Centre in Lusaka. The electoral authority said that outstanding figures from a limited number of constituencies would not affect the overall outcome.

The counting exercise had faced disruptions after incidents involving election personnel and allegations of ballot material being taken from certain polling areas. Authorities resumed the process after security forces brought the affected areas under control.

Hichilema first took office as Zambia’s President in 2021 after defeating the then-incumbent Edgar Lungu.

India and Zambia have maintained diplomatic relations since shortly after Zambia gained independence in 1964. Over the decades, the two countries have developed cooperation across several areas, with their partnership based on mutual respect, development cooperation and longstanding diplomatic engagement.

Prime Minister Modi’s message comes as both countries seek to further strengthen their bilateral partnership under Hichilema’s renewed leadership.