AKIPRESS.COM - President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has congratulated Ram Nath Kovind on being elected as India's new president.
Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence in further strengthening of relations in the interests of both peoples.
He wished the new president of India good health and happiness, as well as progress and prosperity to the friendly Indian people.
Ram Nath Kovind, 71, a low-caste politician backed by the ruling Hindu nationalist-led coalition, beat the Congress party’s Meira Kumar, also a Dalit, by an overwhelming majority.
India’s constitution provides a largely ceremonial role for the president, with the prime minister and his cabinet holding executive power. But the president has a key role during political crises, such as when a general election is inconclusive, by deciding which party is in the best position to form a government.