New Delhi: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected prime minister, recalling their recent meeting in Rome and highlighting the growing partnership between the two countries.
In a message posted on social media, Meloni said Modi had achieved a historic milestone by becoming the longest-serving elected prime minister in India’s history. “Congratulations to @narendramodi who today becomes the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in the history of India,” she wrote.
Reflecting on their recent interaction in the Italian capital, Meloni said it had been a pleasure to meet Modi again in Rome and work together to launch a Special Strategic Partnership aimed at creating new opportunities for both nations and their people. She also shared a photograph from the last meeting.
The two leaders met in Rome on the sidelines of a diplomatic engagement last month, where they reviewed progress in India-Italy ties and discussed ways to expand cooperation in areas including trade, defence, technology, energy, innovation and connectivity. The meeting further reinforced the close rapport that has developed between the two leaders in recent years.
Their personal chemistry has frequently attracted public attention, particularly after a light-hearted selfie video shared by Meloni during the COP28 summit in Dubai in 2023 went viral on social media. The clip, in which she referred to herself and Modi as the “Melodi team” — a play on the combination of their surnames — sparked widespread discussion online and became one of the most talked-about moments from the summit. Since then, the term “Melodi” has often been used by social media users while referring to interactions between the two leaders.
Meloni’s congratulatory message came as Modi completed 4,399 consecutive days in office, surpassing the record of 4,398 days held by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
Nehru, who became prime minister after India’s first general election in 1952, served from May 13, 1952, until his death on May 27, 1964. His earlier years in office, from 1947 to 1952, were as head of the interim government before independent India held its first national elections.
WORLD LEADERS GREET PM MODI, PRAISE HIS LEADERSHIP
Several other world leaders also congratulated PM Modi on the milestone. Former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison described Modi as a “true statesman” who had transformed India’s economy and strengthened its position on the world stage.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the achievement reflected Modi’s years of dedicated public service and leadership in advancing India’s development, prosperity and global standing. He added that Malaysia valued its longstanding friendship with India and looked forward to expanding bilateral cooperation in the years ahead.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the milestone demonstrated the enduring trust and confidence that the people of India had placed in Modi across three consecutive electoral mandates. Calling Modi a personal friend and trusted ally, Tinubu praised his commitment to national development and his influence on global affairs.
Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih described the achievement as a historic milestone and credited Modi’s leadership with India’s economic, social and political progress. He also noted that ties between India and the Maldives had strengthened significantly during Modi’s tenure.
Kenyan President William Ruto said the milestone reflected the confidence reposed in Modi by voters in the world’s largest democracy. Praising his journey from humble beginnings to national leadership, Ruto said it was a testament to perseverance, dedication and public service.
Earlier, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had also congratulated Modi on the landmark achievement.
PM Modi first took office on May 26, 2014, after leading the BJP-led NDA to a sweeping victory in the general election. He secured a second term in 2019 with an even larger mandate and returned to power for a third consecutive term in June 2024, becoming only the second prime minister after Nehru to win three successive Lok Sabha elections. His latest milestone further cements his place among the longest-serving political leaders in independent India’s history.
