Italy PM Meloni Celebrates PM Modi’s Record-Breaking Tenure, Highlights Future-Focused India-Italy Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received congratulations from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday after becoming the longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister in India's history. Marking the occasion, Meloni praised Modi's achievement and reflected on the strengthening relationship between India and Italy, particularly following their recent meeting in Rome.

Meloni Applauds Modi's Record-Breaking Tenure

Taking to social media, the Italian Prime Minister acknowledged Modi's political milestone and extended her wishes.

"Congratulations to @narendramodi who today becomes the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in the history of India."

Congratulazioni a @narendramodi che oggi diventa il Primo Ministro eletto più longevo nella storia dell’India.

È stato un piacere ritrovarci a Roma nelle scorse settimane e lanciare assieme un Partenariato Strategico Speciale che guarda al futuro per creare nuove opportunità… pic.twitter.com/hiQICM6eKV

— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) June 10, 2026

She also posted the message in Italian, celebrating the achievement while sharing a photograph from Modi's recent visit to Italy.

The congratulatory message came as Modi surpassed the tenure record previously held by India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, becoming the country's longest-serving elected leader with a continuous tenure in office.

Rome Meeting and Launch of Special Strategic Partnership

Meloni also used the occasion to recall her recent interaction with Modi in Rome, where the two leaders held extensive discussions aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation.

"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."

The partnership, announced during Modi's visit, is expected to strengthen collaboration across multiple sectors and further elevate ties between the two nations.

During his stay in Rome, Modi and Meloni were seen engaging in several diplomatic and cultural engagements, including discussions over dinner and visits to prominent landmarks in the Italian capital.

'Melodi' Moment Captures Public Attention

One of the most talked-about moments from the visit emerged outside formal diplomacy. Modi and Meloni visited the iconic Colosseum, where photographs of the two leaders quickly gained traction online.

The visit also revived the popular social media nickname "Melodi", coined by internet users to describe the cordial rapport between the two leaders.

The buzz intensified when Modi presented Meloni with a packet of Parle's Melody toffees, a gesture that triggered a wave of memes and online reactions. Sharing a video of the moment on Instagram, Meloni wrote:

"Thank you for the gift".

The clip, featuring both leaders holding the packet of toffees, quickly went viral and became one of the most discussed moments of the visit.

Modi Surpasses Nehru's Longstanding Record

The milestone comes after Modi completed 4,399 consecutive days in office as Prime Minister. He first assumed office on May 26, 2014, following the BJP-led NDA's decisive victory in the general elections.

His second term began on May 30, 2019, after securing an even larger mandate from voters. Modi then returned for a third consecutive term on June 9, 2024.

By crossing the 4,399-day mark on June 10, 2026, he overtook Jawaharlal Nehru's record, cementing his place as India's longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister with an uninterrupted tenure.