Indian PM Narendra Modi congratulates newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, says he is looking forward to working with him

"Congratulations @drpezeshkian on your election as the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Looking forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our warm and long-standing bilateral relationship for the benefit of our peoples and the region," Modi posted on X.

Reformist Massoud Pezeshkian has been elected the new President of Iran by beating his hardline close competitor  Saeed Jalili, media reports said.

Out of a total of 30,530,157 votes counted, Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon, won 16,384,403 votes while Jalili stood behind his rival with 13,538,179 ballots. The turnout was reported to be 49.8%, reported IRNA news agency.

In his political career, 69-year-old Pezeshkian had served as a lawmaker in the countries Parliament for five four-year terms.

The senior politician also served as vice speaker of Iran’s 10th Parliament.

During the tenure of President Mohammad Khatami, he had served as Iran’s minister of health for four years.

The poll was held after Iran’s previous president Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in May.

Even before the final result was declared, supporters of the winning candidate took to the streets of the country to celebrate victory.

Following his victory,  Massoud Pezeshkian posted on X: "Dear people of Iran, the elections are over and this is just the beginning of our cooperation. The difficult path ahead will not be smooth except with your companionship, empathy and trust. I extend my hand to you and I swear on my honor that I will not leave you alone on this path. don't leave us alone."