Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved a significant milestone, becoming India's longest-serving elected prime minister. This historic accomplishment, marking 4,399 consecutive days in office, garnered congratulations from world leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who highlighted the strengthening strategic partnership between India and Italy.
A New Record in Indian Leadership
Modi's uninterrupted tenure began on May 26, 2014, and includes his re-elections in 2019 and 2024. He has now surpassed the record held by India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, whose elected term ran for 4,398 days from May 13, 1952, to May 27, 1964. Nehru's earlier period in office, from 1947 to 1952, was as the head of an interim government before India's inaugural general election.
Meloni Extends Congratulations and Partnership
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took to social media to congratulate Prime Minister Modi. Her message underscored the positive trajectory of India-Italy relations, particularly following their recent meeting in Rome.
"Congratulations to @narendramodi who today becomes the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in the history of India," Meloni wrote. "It has been a pleasure to meet again in Rome in recent weeks and to launch together a Special Strategic Partnership that looks to the future to create new opportunities for our Nations and our peoples."
Prime Minister Modi's visit to Italy from May 19-20, 2026, was part of a five-nation diplomatic tour and his first bilateral visit to the country, solidifying the renewed focus on bilateral cooperation.
Global Recognition for Modi's Leadership
The milestone prompted a wave of congratulations from leaders worldwide, acknowledging Modi's dedication and impact on India's global standing. Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison hailed Modi as a "true statesman who has transformed India's economy and standing in the world."
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim remarked that the achievement reflected Modi's "years of dedicated public service and leadership in advancing India's development, prosperity and standing on the global stage." Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu noted that the milestone demonstrated the profound trust Indian voters placed in Modi across three mandates, adding that his leadership continues to inspire millions globally.
Other notable figures who extended their felicitations included former Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Their messages consistently highlighted the enduring trust and confidence placed in Prime Minister Modi's leadership within the world's largest democracy.
This record-setting moment coincides with the NDA government completing 12 years under Prime Minister Modi's leadership and embarking on its third consecutive term in office.