Narendra Modi becomes India’s longest-serving Prime Minister, receives global congratulations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 10 June became India’s longest continuously serving elected head of government. The milestone came with an uninterrupted 4,399-day term since taking office in 2014. The mark moved Modi past Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, who held 4,398 elected days.

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Congratulatory messages also came from many global leaders through social media. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni were among them. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also posted greetings.

Narendra Modi milestone draws Russia and Kremlin comments

Russia highlighted the milestone in remarks attributed to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Peskov said Moscow hoped Modi would keep supporting bilateral relations. A video of the speech was shared by the Indian Embassy in Russia. Russia described Modi as the "doyen\" among India’s Prime Ministers.

\"Today, on 10th of June, Prime Minister Modi became the doyen of all Indian Prime Ministers. What does a doyen mean? A doyen is a person who is the Prime Minister of the country for the longest term,\" he said in a felicitation speech, a video of which was shared by the Indian Embassy in Russia.

\"He [Modi] himself descended from a common family and his career has elevated him to the position of the leader of the largest country in the world, almost one and a half billion people,\" he said. Peskov also said that, under Modi, 250 million people moved out of poverty. India was also described as a high-technology country.

On India’s economy, Peskov said the country had become a leading economic power. Peskov pointed to fast growth rates and development. On ties with New Delhi, Peskov stressed trade and economic links. Peskov also noted dialogue in multiple sectors, including sensitive areas.

\"What is most important for us is that this is the country with which we are united by partnership. The country with which we are developing trade and economic ties in all possible areas. Dialogue is ongoing, including in the most sensitive areas,\" he said, adding: \"And we hope that Prime Minister Modi will continue to contribute to further development of the India-Russia relations.\"

Narendra Modi milestone prompts messages from EU, Italy, Germany, Canada, UK

Von der Leyen praised Modi’s leadership and referenced India’s space and trade goals. \"With you, India not only landed on the moon, it is shooting for the stars.\" Von der Leyen also listed areas of cooperation. \"From our cooperation on technology, mobility, security and defence all the way to the mother of all trade deals. Thank you for all that we have achieved together.\"

Meloni linked the message to India-Italy ties and recent meetings in Rome. \"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,\" Meloni posted on social media.

Merz referred to the India-Germany strategic partnership and future talks. \"We look forward to further strengthening the strategic partnership between our countries and welcome you to Germany for the next inter-governmental consultations,\" Merz said. Carney posted, \"As Canada and India renew our partnership, I look forward to continuing our work to deliver greater prosperity for both our peoples.\"

Sunak described the achievement as a remarkable milestone. Sunak also said the development was positive for the UK-India partnership. Sunak added that the partnership would keep growing. Other congratulatory messages came from political leaders in the US, Africa and more regions.

Narendra Modi milestone noted by leaders across Asia and beyond

Other leaders who posted praise included former Irish PM Leo Varadkar. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung also sent greetings. Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim and Sri Lankan President Aruna Kumara Dissanayake posted as well. Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay and former Australian PM Scott Morrison were also listed.

Muizzu said: \"The Maldives looks forward to further strengthening cooperation with India, guided by mutual respect, sovereign equality, and shared interests.\" Ibrahim said, \"This achievement stands as a testament to his years of dedicated public service and leadership in advancing Indias development, prosperity and standing on the global stage,\" and added that Malaysia valued a close friendship with India.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu posted on Tuesday and called Modi a trusted ally. Tinubu said the achievement showed citizen confidence across three consecutive mandates. Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto wrote: \"Your journey from humble beginnings to this position is a testament to dedication, perseverance and public service.\"

Tobgay posted an open letter and addressed Modi as friend, brother and mentor. Tobgay recalled a first meeting at Modi’s 2014 swearing-in ceremony. \"The people of Bhutan have always regarded India as our closest friend and most trusted partner. Under Prime Minister Modis leadership, this friendship has grown from strength to strength, marked by mutual support, understanding, and a shared vision for peace, prosperity, and the well being of our peoples,\" he wrote.

Nehru first won an election for the post in 1952 and served until 27 May 1964. Nehru’s elected stretch lasted 4,398 days, while 1947 to 1952 was interim. Indira Gandhi served more than 15 years in total, though not continuously. Gandhi’s first run was January 1966 to March 1977.

After losing office in 1977, Indira Gandhi returned in January 1980 for a fourth term. Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984. Modi’s 4,399-day uninterrupted term therefore became the longest elected run without a break. The milestone also prompted wide international reactions and official comments from Russia.

With inputs from PTI