Asian countries aim for stronger ties with India after election

NEW DELHI -- Congratulations from Asian nations poured in Wednesday for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a day after his Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance won a third term in power.

"India is an important partner in realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific region," Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a press briefing, adding that Tokyo will deepen relations with New Delhi through the Quad security grouping, which also includes the U.S. and Australia.