Meloni congratulates PM Modi on surpassing Nehru's elected tenure record, recalls Rome meeting

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday extended her congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he reached the historic milestone of becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister.

In an X post, Meloni reflected on their strong diplomatic camaraderie, specifically recalling her recent high-level bilateral meeting with Modi in Rome as a symbol of the flourishing relationship between Italy and India.

Meloni’s message comes after US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also extended his congratulations.

Describing the milestone as a "powerful testament" to PM Modi’s leadership, Ambassador Gor wrote about the strengthening ties between Washington and New Delhi during this historic period. 

Historic milestone in Indian democracy

Prime Minister Modi achieved the milestone on Wednesday after completing 4,399 consecutive days in office, surpassing the record held by India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

More from India

While former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi served for over 14 years, her tenure was fragmented. Modi’s achievement establishes him as the longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister in the nation's history, having secured three consecutive mandates in 2014, 2019, and 2024.

Global leaders hail 'voice of the Global South'

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), congratulations poured in from several heads of state who praised India’s rising global influence and economic dynamism under PM Modi. 

In an official letter, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conveyed the warm wishes of the Sri Lankan people, stating: “This milestone is a testament not only to your years in office, but also to the trust and confidence that the people of the world's largest democracy have repeatedly placed in your leadership.” He added that India’s economic transformation has served as an inspiration well beyond its borders.

In a personal video message, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape lauded Modi as a "role model and an example of leadership." He specifically highlighted India's domestic achievements, noting that "lifting over 200 million people out of poverty to a good life today is an amazing feat."

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar wrote about PM Modi’s journey from humble beginnings to leading a nation of 1.4 billion people over three terms. She noted that under his leadership, "India has evolved as a leading voice on global matters," referencing breakthroughs in foreign policy and global infrastructure partnerships.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia also extended his congratulations to PM Modi.

Canada's Mark Carney expressed confidence in stronger ties. Bhutan's Tshering Tobgay, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, former Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth, and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen also lauded Modi's leadership and India's growing global influence.

The congratulations were not limited to world leaders; American singer Mary Millben also joined in to celebrate the milestone.