NEW DELHI: Congratulatory messages poured in from leaders across the globe on Wednesday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi became India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. Several heads of state and government described the achievement as a reflection of the trust and confidence placed in him by Indian voters across three consecutive general elections.
Among the first to extend greetings was Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who wrote, “Congratulations to @narendramodi, who today becomes the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in the history of India.”
Referring to their recent meeting in Rome, Meloni added, “It was a pleasure to meet again in recent weeks and launch together a special strategic partnership that looks to the future and creates new opportunities for our nations and peoples.”
US President Donald Trump also congratulated Modi, calling him a close friend and praising his leadership.
“Congratulations to my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on becoming India’s longest-serving Prime Minister — and a great one he is. He is a strong, healthy and wise man, and will have many years of greatness and success ahead of him,” Trump said.
Responding to the message, Modi thanked the US President and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
“Thank you, President Trump, for your warm wishes. I look forward to working with you to further advance the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership for the benefit of our peoples and the wider world,” he said.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali described Modi as his “elder brother and dear friend,” congratulating him on the “historic milestone of leading India with vision and determination across three consecutive democratic mandates.” He also praised Modi’s efforts in poverty alleviation and his advocacy for the interests of the Global South.
Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay paid a heartfelt tribute to Modi in a message titled ‘Prime Minister Narendra Modi: My Friend, My Brother, My Mentor’. Calling him a trusted friend, elder brother and mentor, Tobgay said the people of Bhutan would always remember Modi for his unwavering support and goodwill towards the Himalayan kingdom.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake congratulated Modi and expressed his desire to further strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two countries. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu also conveyed his wishes, saying his government looked forward to deepening cooperation with India based on mutual respect, sovereign equality and shared interests.
Leaders from other nations also joined in recognising the milestone. Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, Kenyan President William Ruto and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung described the achievement as a testament to Modi’s leadership and the enduring confidence that the people of India have placed in him.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the milestone reflected Modi’s years of dedicated public service and leadership, while Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed him as “a personal friend and trusted ally.”
The messages from world leaders underscored the international recognition of Modi’s political longevity and his role in shaping India’s global engagement over the past decade.
