Joe Biden on Saturday won the U.S. presidency over Donald Trump, TV networks projected on November 7 — a victory sealed after the Democrat claimed several key battleground States won by the Republican incumbent in 2016.
Joe Biden, 77, has been elected 46th President of the U.S., say American media reports.
Kamala Harris made history as the first Black woman elected as vice president of the United States, shattering barriers that have kept men — almost all of them white — entrenched at the highest levels of American politics for more than two centuries.
Here are the reactions:
Iran’s Rouhani says Biden win a chance for US to ‘compensate for mistakes’
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday said the next US administration has an opportunity to “compensate for its previous mistakes” following Joe Biden's victory in the presidential election.
“Now there is an opportunity for the future American administration to compensate for its previous mistakes and return to the path of adherence to international commitments,” Mr. Rouhani said, in a statement on his official website.
US President Donald Trump, who lost Tuesday's election to Democratic challenger Biden, has applied a “maximum pressure” policy and crippling sanctions against Iran since his 2018 withdrawal from a landmark nuclear agreement with Tehran.
IT industry looks forward to working together with new US administration
Nasscom on Sunday welcomed Joe Biden’s win in the US Presidential election, and said the Indian IT industry looks forward to working with the new administration in pivoting technology, skills and digital transformation for the US.
The US is the biggest market for the Indian IT sector, accounting for a lion’s share of the industry’s revenue.
“NASSCOM congratulates US #PresidentElect @JoeBiden on his win. We look forward to working with him and his administration in pivoting technology, skills and digital transformation for the United States,” it said in a tweet.
Nasscom has projected a revenue growth of 7.7 per cent at USD 191 billion for the IT sector in the ongoing fiscal. The industry has added a net 2 lakh jobs, taking the overall workforce to 4.36 million.
Indian IT players will keep a close watch on Biden’s approach and policies related to H-1B work visas that are used by a large number of Indian technology professionals.
In June, during the COVID-19 pandemic, US President Donald Trump banned the entry into the US of workers in several key non-immigrant visa categories, including H-1B, until the end of the year, arguing that they eat into American jobs.
Those affected include the family members of the H-1B, L-1, and certain categories of J1 visas.
Palestinian President urges Biden to 'strengthen' Palestinian-US ties
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Sunday called on US president-elect Joe Biden to "strengthen" relations between the Palestinians and Washington, which collapsed during President Donald Trump's term in office.
In a statement congratulating Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris, Abbas urged the incoming administration "to strengthen the Palestinian-American relationship," and to strive for Middle East "peace, stability and security." -- AFP
Ties with U.S. to deepen after Biden win, says Afghan president
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said Sunday that ties between Kabul and Washington are expected to deepen in areas of counter-terrorism and building peace as he congratulated Joe Biden on his election victory.
“Afghanistan looks forward to continuing/deepening our multilayered strategic partnership w/ the United States — our foundational partner — including in counterterrorism & bringing peace to Afghanistan,” Mr. Ghani wrote on Twitter.
Mr. Biden's victory was also welcomed by ordinary citizens, who thought he might slow what some see as a too-hasty withdrawal of U.S. troops.
“Biden will also finish the war, but he wants to bring the war to a responsible end, not rushing like Trump,” said Mohammad Dawood, a garment seller in Kabul.
“He will slow down the withdrawal from Afghanistan and will keep some troops here, which is good news.”
The withdrawal of troops has been a cornerstone of Trump's plans to end America's longest war.
His administration agreed to fully disengage in exchange for a commitment from the Taliban to stop trans-national jihadist groups such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State from operating in Afghanistan.
The US military has already shut several bases across the country and pulled out thousands of troops as agreed.
India Inc looks forward to enhanced Indo-U.S. ties as Biden wins
India Inc on Sunday hailed the victory of Joe Biden in the U.S. presidential election saying a “democratic process voted for a change” while hoping for enhanced ties and cooperation between India and the United States.
Congratulating President-elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee said, “CII looks forward to once again collaborating with President Biden and his incoming Administration.”
Prior to the economic disruption caused by COVID-19, bilateral trade in goods and services in 2019, reached a peak of nearly $50 billion and CII hopes this will continue to rise in the years to come, he added.
“We can aim higher to our shared goal of $500 billion through a new era of revitalised economic cooperation, which would be comprehensive, complementary and collaborative,” Mr. Banerjee said.
The key sectors to watch for enhanced business cooperation will be energy and the green economy, defence and manufacturing, especially providing a boost to small business cooperation, as well as pharmaceuticals and healthcare - all driven by India and the US’ new age businesses and disruptive innovation and technologies, he added.
The US-India Business Council (USIBC) termed Mr. Biden’s election as “truly a barrier breaking moment, and one that celebrates the diversity of America and the important contributions of immigrants who have made America their home”.
Highlighting that President-elect Biden brings decades of experience advancing US-India ties and played a key role forging the US-India Strategic Partnership in the Obama Administration, the USIBC said, “under his leadership, we expect to see a continued bipartisan focus on India and a broad-based approach to India and the Indo-Pacific that touches strategic, security, and economic issues, alongside climate, health, education, science and technology”.
The Council said it looks forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration to help the US-India economic partnership achieve its full potential and bring opportunity to the citizens of both countries.
Hailing Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris as the new leaders of America, Chairman and MD of JSW Group Sajjan Jindal said in a tweet, “A democratic process voted for a change in a very defining year globally! Congratulations to the American community that ensured that the democratic process was not compromised in a tough external environment.”
Similarly, congratulating Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris on their victory, JSPL Chairman Naveen Jindal in a tweet hoped “to see enhanced ties and cooperation between India and the United States”. -- PTI
Sonia sends congratulatory message to Biden, Harris
Congress president Sonia Gandhi congratulated U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris.
In a letter to Mr Biden, she said, “Like millions around the world, the Indian people have followed with great interest the course of the election during the last 12 months. We were greatly re-assured by your measured speeches, stress on healing divisions among the people, and promotion of gender and racial equality, global co-operation and sustainable development of all countries. The Indian people share these concerns and we are confident that India and the United States will continue to work together, as in the past decades, for the welfare of the people of both countries”. -- Sandeep Phukan
Had told Kamala she’s going to win, says proud uncle
Soaking in the moment of glory, Gopalan Balachandran, maternal uncle of Senator Kamala Harris, on Saturday night said he told her niece a day earlier that she was “going to win” to become the next U.S. Vice President.
Democrat Joe Biden defeated incumbent Republican President Donald Trump in the closely-fought presidential election.
Ms. Harris, 56, who is of Indian origin, has become the first-ever woman Vice President-elect of the U.S. She will also be the first Indian-origin, first Black and first African American vice president of the country.
Delhi-based Balachandran said he was feeling “proud and happy”, describing Ms. Harris as a fighter.
“Biden-Harris victory is what we wanted to see. And, given the numbers, I told Kamala yesterday (Friday) that she is going to win,” he told PTI when asked if the counting process made him tense.
Mr. Biden, the 77-year-old former Vice President, will become the 46th President of the United States.
Firecrackers and prayers as Indians celebrate Harris' win
Waking up to the news of Kamala Harris’ election as Joe Biden’s running mate, overjoyed people in her small ancestral Indian village set off firecrackers, carried her placards and offered prayers.
Groups gathered at street corners of tiny Thulasendrapuram, population 350, reading newspapers and chatting about the Democrats’ victory before moving to the temple.
Most of them had gone to sleep by the time Mr. Biden clinched the winning threshold of 270 Electoral College votes, making Harris the first woman and the first person of South Asian descent to be elected vice president.
"For two or three days we kept our fingers crossed while the result was delayed,” said resident Kalidas Vamdayar.-- AP
Biden’s ancestral home in Ireland celebrates his victory
Joe Biden is somewhat removed from the Irish town his great-great-great-grandfather left almost 200 years ago, but that is not stopping Ballina from celebrating his US presidential victory.
The town in County Mayo, about 145 miles (235 kilometres) northwest of Dublin, has for days been draped in the Stars and Stripes and Biden/Harris banners in anticipation, even though many businesses have had to close due to lockdown restrictions.
Joe Blewitt, a heating and plumbing engineer and a cousin of Biden’s, said the town of about 10,000 is ecstatic at the prospect of a President Joe Biden.
"Now he’ll be the President of the United States, they’re delighted, they’re absolutely delighted," Blewitt said. To think one of their own is one of the most powerful men in the world.
Blewitt, who was invited to the White House in 2017 when Mr. Biden was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama, said he hopes to be able to make it over again for the inauguration in January.
Blewitt says the pair are in regular contact too: "He’s a really nice fella. He’s good to talk to. Biden, who visited Ballina in June 2016 when he was in his final few months as vice president, has pledged to visit again were he to prevail over Trump."
Biden’s great-great-great-grandfather Edward Blewitt emigrated from the town, having worked as a brick-maker and as a civil engineer helping to map Ireland. Ten of Biden’s 16 great-great grandparents were also born in Ireland.
TN CM hails Kamala Harris’ “astounding victory”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Sunday greeted US President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and particularly recalled her Tamil Nadu roots.
Democrat Joe Biden on Saturday defeated incumbent Republican US President Donald Trump in the closely-fought US presidential elections.
In a tweet, Mr. Palaniswami expressed joy over Ms. Harris becoming the first woman to be elected as Vice-President of the US following her “astounding victory.”
“My heartfelt congratulations to @JoeBiden who has been elected as the 46th president of United States,” he said.
“I’m extremely glad that @KamalaHarris is the first woman to be elected as the Vice President of US. She has made Tamil Nadu proud with this astounding victory. BidenHarris2020“,” he said.
Ms. Harris, California Senator, had been earlier picked by Mr. Biden as her running mate.
Her grandfather P V Gopalan, a former civil servant,hails from Thulasenthirapuram in Tiruvarur district in Tamil Nadu and the small village had been praying for her elevation.
DMK President M K Stalin, while greeting both Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris, said he was “pleased” the US people had chosen a woman with “Tamil heritage” as their next vice-president.
“Congratulations to the President-Elect @JoeBiden and the Vice President-Elect @KamalaHarris of the USA.”
“Especially pleased that American people have chosen a woman with Tamil heritage as their next Vice-President in this historic election.#USPresidentialElections2020,” Mr. Stalin, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, said in a tweet.
Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader and independent legislator T T V Dhinakaran also greeted Harris.
“Let her actions be a matter of pride not just for Thulasenthirapuram, but all Tamils,” he said on Twitter, while extending his greetings to Harris on her elevation.
PMK founder S Ramadoss also extended his greetings to Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris.
Referring to Ms. Harris’ Tamil Nadu connections, he wished this would help in “constructive growth” of Indo-US relations.
Mamata Banerjee greets Biden, Harris for their win in US polls
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday congratulated US president-elect Joe Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris for their victory in the elections.
She also hoped that the friendship between the U.S. and India will grow.
“Congratulations to President-Elect @JoeBiden and Vice President @KamalaHarris May the India-U.S. friendship grow,” Ms. Banerjee said on Twitter.
Mr. Biden defeated incumbent Republican U.S. President Donald Trump in the closely-fought presidential election, according to the American media.
Ms. Harris, who is of Indian origin, has become the first-ever woman vice president-elect of the U.S..
Andhra CM congratulates Kamala Harris
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy took to Twitter to congratulate Kamala Harris on being elected as the U.S. Vice President.
"Democrats or Republicans, politics apart, we are happy and proud to have in Kamala Harris, someone of Indian origin, as the Vice-President of America. Congratulations and best wishes. May God bless you and guide you," he wrote.
Venkaiah Naidu greets Biden, Harris on ‘remarkable’ win in US polls
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday extended greetings to U.S. president-elect Joe Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris on their “remarkable” victory in the elections, expressing confidence that Indo-American relationship will become stronger in the coming years.
Mr. Biden defeated incumbent Republican US President Donald Trump in the closely-fought presidential election, according to the American media.
“My greetings & best wishes to the President-elect, Mr @JoeBiden and the Vice-President-elect, Ms. @KamalaHarris of the USA on their remarkable victory in elections,” the Vice President Secretariat tweeted quoting Mr. Naidu.
The Vice-President said he is confident that Indo-American relationship will become stronger in the coming years “as both our nations, with shared democratic values, strive to make the world more peaceful and prosperous”.
Sri Lankan Tamils congratulate Biden, Harris
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), the main Tamil party in Sri Lanka, on Sunday congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden and his deputy Kamala Harris.
The Biden-Harris ticket has defeated incumbent President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in a bitterly-fought election that attracted a record number of Americans to cast their votes.
TNA is the first Sri Lankan party to congratulate Biden and Harris for winning the US election.
“As the premier political party representing the Tamil people in Sri Lanka, we congratulate (US) President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on a momentous victory,” TNA said in a statement.
Celebrations erupt in major U.S. cities after Biden election win
Days of pent-up post-election anxiety gave way to spontaneous street celebrations as Joe Biden supporters cheered news of his presidential win with a cacophony of banging pots and pans, honking horns and dance music in cities across the United States.
Rallies by hundreds of supporters of President Donald Trump, who insisted on Saturday “this election is far from over,” were more muted in size and scope compared with the festive crowds that turned out by the thousands in some cities for Biden.
While there were some isolated instances of Trump and Biden supporters confronting one another, as occurred between two opposing groups of about 100 each in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, there were no immediate reports of violence or other unruly behaviour.
Minutes after major television networks called the race in the former Vice President's favour, throngs of people — most of them wearing masks to curb the spread of COVID-19 — streamed to the White House to rejoice outside a security fence as the sound of fireworks boomed in the distance. - Reuters
Mexico's president won't congratulate Biden until 'legal proceedings' over
Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Saturday that he can not congratulate a winner of the U.S. presidential election until all legal proceedings are concluded, calling his decision ”politically prudent”.
“With regard to the U.S. election, we are going to wait until all the legal matters have been resolved,” Lopez Obrador said at a televised news conference.
In his remarks, Lopez Obrador said he had a good relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump and with former vice president Biden, who he said he had known for a decade. - Reuters
'I will be a President for all Americans'
“America, I’m honored that you have chosen me to lead our great country. The work ahead of us will be hard, but I promise you this: I will be a President for all Americans — whether you voted for me or not. I will keep the faith that you have placed in me," Mr Biden tweeted.
'We did it Joe'
Vice-President elect Kamala Harris tweeted a short video of her speaking to Mr Biden over the phone saying: "We dd it Joe. You're going to be the next Presdent of the United States.
He will be a President for all of our families
Jill Biden, set to be the First Lady, tweeted this picture.
'We're fortunate that Joe's got what it takes to be President'
Former US President Barack Obama, under whom Mr Biden served as Vice President for two terms, tweeted a statement congratulating Biden and Kamala Harris.
'It's a history-making ticket, a repudiation of Trump, and a new page for America'
“America has spoken, and democracy has won. Now we have a President-Elect and Vice President-Elect who will serve all of us and bring us all together. Congratulations to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on your momentous victory!" Bill Clinton, former US President, said in a tweet.
Hillary Clinton, who ran against Donald Trump in 2016, also tweeted: "The voters have spoken, and they have chosen @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris to be our next president and vice president. It's a history-making ticket, a repudiation of Trump, and a new page for America. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. Onward, together."
'The U.S. is our most important ally'
“Congratulations to Joe Biden on his election as President of the United States and to Kamala Harris on her historic achievement,” UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement.
“The U.S. is our most important ally and I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities, from climate change to trade and security.”
- Reuters
'Makes us proud that the first woman to serve as Vice President of the USA traces her roots to India'
“Congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden. I’m confident that he will unite America and provide it with a strong sense of direction,” Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
“Congratulations, Vice-President-elect @KamalaHarris! It makes us proud that the first woman to serve as Vice President of the USA traces her roots to India,” Gandhi said.
'Canada and the United States enjoy an extraordinary relationship'
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their electoral victory.
“I look forward to working with President-elect Biden, Vice President-elect Harris, their administration, and the United States Congress as we tackle the world’s greatest challenges together,” Mr. Trudeau said in the first congratulatory message by a world leader after Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris were declared winners of the November 3 presidential election.
“Canada and the United States enjoy an extraordinary relationship — one that is unique on the world stage. Our shared geography, common interests, deep personal connections, and strong economic ties make us close friends, partners, and allies,” he said.
“We will further build on this foundation as we continue to keep our people safe and healthy from the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and work to advance peace and inclusion, economic prosperity, and climate action around the world,” Mr. Trudeau said.
'We have a lot to do to overcome today's challenges. Let's work together!'
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated U.S. president-elect Joe Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris on their election victory.
“We have a lot to do to overcome today's challenges. Let's work together!” Macron tweeted, in French and English.
Former French president Francois Hollande, who was in office when Mr. Trump came to power in 2016, welcomed the “good news for American democracy”.
Mr. Biden has promised to return the United States to the Paris Climate Agreement after Mr. Trump pulled out of it.
Mr. Hollande hailed the “happy news for the planet with the return of United States in the climate agreement”.
'Our transatlantic friendship is irreplaceable if we want to overcome the great challenges of our times'
German Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and said transatlantic ties were 'irreplaceable,' alluding to tensions during Donald Trump's leadership.
“Congratulations!” Ms. Merkel said. “I wish luck and success from the bottom of my heart.
“Our transatlantic friendship is irreplaceable if we want to overcome the great challenges of our times,” she said in a tweet issued by a government spokesman.
'Win gives hope that right wing extremism will be relegated to the pages of history'
“Congratulations to President-elect @JoeBiden & Vice President-elect @KamalaHarris. Their win gives hope to rest of the world that right wing extremism & those who sow division & hatred will sooner or later be relegated to the pages of history like Donald Trump," she tweeted.
'Look forward to working closely together once again to take India-U.S. relations to greater heights'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Democrat Joe Biden for his win over Republican U.S. President Donald Trump in a close presidential election and noted his “critical and invaluable” contribution to strengthening the India-U.S. relations as vice president.
PM Modi, in his tweets, also congratulated Vice President elect Kamala Harris for her win and said her success was pathbreaking and a matter of immense pride for all Indian-Americans.
PM Modi said, “Congratulations @JoeBiden on your spectacular victory! As the VP, your contribution to strengthening Indo-U.S. relations was critical and invaluable. I look forward to working closely together once again to take India-U.S. relations to greater heights.”
He added, “Congratulations @KamalaHarris! Your success is pathbreaking, and a matter of immense pride not just for your chittis, but also for all Indian-Americans. I am confident that the vibrant India-U.S. ties will get even stronger with your support and leadership.”
Mr. Biden had served as vice president when Barack Obama was the country’s president.
President of India wishes Biden, Harris
President Ram Nath Kovind congratulated Joe Biden on his election as the U.S. President and said he looks forward to working with him to further strengthen India-US relations.
"My sincere felicitations to Joseph R. Biden on his election as President of the United States of America and @KamalaHarris, as Vice President. I wish @JoeBiden a successful tenure and look forward to working with him to further strengthen India-US relations," Mr. Kovind tweeted.
'India looks forward to a close partnership that will be beneficial to peace and development in our region and around the world'
Congress president Sonia Gandhi congratulated Joe Biden for winning the U.S. presidential election, saying India looked forward to a close partnership beneficial to peace and development.
In a statement late in the night, Ms. Gandhi also extended warm greetings to vice president-elect Kamala Harris.
Under the “wise and mature” leadership of Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris, Ms. Gandhi said “India looks forward to a close partnership that will be beneficial to peace and development in our region and around the world“.
'The European Union and the United States are friends and allies, our citizens share the deepest of links'
European Union leaders Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen hailed Joe Biden's election as president of the United States and called for stronger transatlantic ties.
“I warmly congratulate Mr Joe Biden on his victory in the U.S. Presidential election and look forward to meeting him at the earliest possible opportunity,” European Commission president von der Leyen said.
“The European Union and the United States are friends and allies, our citizens share the deepest of links,” she said.
“Together we have built an unprecedented transatlantic partnership rooted in common history and shared values of democracy, freedom, human rights, social justice and open economy.
Mr. Michel, who as president of the European Council represents the leaders of EU member states -- not all of whom have acknowledged Mr. Biden's victory -- also tweeted his “congratulations”, but was more cautious.
“We take note of the latest development in the electoral process,” he said, after U.S. news networks reported a Biden victory and the Democratic Party candidate and former vice president claimed the win.
“On this basis the EU congratulates President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on reaching enough Electoral Votes.”