PM Modi congratulates French President-elect Emmanuel Macron

"Congratulations to @EmmanuelMacron for an emphatic victory in the French Presidential election. #Presidentielle2017," the Prime Minister's tweet read.

"I look forward to working closely with President-elect @EmmanuelMacron to further strengthen India-France ties," an ensuing tweet added,

Pragmatic centrist Emmanuel Macron will be the next president of France as he won the elections emphatically on Sunday defeating his far right challenger Marine Le Pen, whose emergence as a major force in the elections had unnerved the supporters of European Union.

According to polling agency projections, Macron garnered 65.5% of votes against 34.5% for Marine Le Pen. 

"A new page in our long history is turned this evening. I want it to be one of hope and re-found trust," said Macron addressing people after the win.

"I will defend Europe ... our civilization is at stake," he said.

Macron in his speech said, "I want to address my opponent, Mme Le Pen. I know the divisions of our nations have pushed people to extremes and I know the anger and the doubt in our country. It's my duty to listen to this. It's about organising solidarity, fighting all forms of inequality and discrimination, ensuring unity and guaranteeing the security of the nation."

The fear of European allies over what France would do under Le Pen was thus put to rest. 

The polling was held under the shadow of the recent terrorist attacks and the upheaval caused by Brexit.

However, 39-year-old Macron, a symbol of radical centrism, was a favourite over Le Pen, who however registered the best election result for her party National Front, a political pariah earlier owing to its anti immigration policy.

Macron, of the En Marche (Onward) movement is going to be the youngest French president.

French citizens witnessed a rigorous campaign between Emmanuel Macron, the former investment banker and nationalist Marine Le Pen, 48.

While Macron is pro-business, Le Pen had campaigned for France first, anti-immigration programme.

Macron is also a strong supporter of European Union.

Meanwhile world leaders started congratulating Macron.

British Prime Minister Theresa May‏ in a tweet said, "I warmly congratulate @EmmanuelMacron on his success and look forward to working with him on a wide range of shared priorities."

US President Donald Trump tweeted, "Congratulations to Emmanuel Macron on his big win today as the next President of France. I look very much forward to working with him!"