Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Jagdeep Dhankhar "good health" in a social media post on Tuesday, following the vice president's decision to step down on "medical advice."

On Monday, Vice President Dhankhar resigned from his post, citing health concerns.

"Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the vice president of India," Modi wrote on social media site X. "Wishing him good health."

What did Dhankhar say?

Dhankhar has held the position of Indian vice president since August 2022. While the role is normally for five years, the 74-year-old said his health had to come first.

"To prioritize health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately," Dhankhar said in a letter to the country's President Droupadi Murmu, posted on X.

"I extend my deepest gratitude to Your Excellency — the Hon'ble President of India for her unwavering support."

"I express my deep gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister and the esteemed Council of Ministers. Prime Minister's cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office."

What is the role of vice president in India?

The vice president of India primarily serves a ceremonial and parliamentary role, holding the second-highest constitutional office, as well as being chair of the upper house of parliament.

The vice president also steps into the role of president, who is head of state, if there is a temporary vacancy.

Edited by: Elizabeth Schumacher

Correction, 23.7.2025: A previous version of this article misspelled Modi. This has now been corrected, DW apologizes for the mistake.