Modi longest-serving prime minister as Trump, Russia, and EU leaders congratulate him

Prime Minister Narendra Modi became India’s longest continuously serving elected leader, reaching 4,399 days in office and surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru. US President Donald Trump, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, and leaders including Ursula von der Leyen and Giorgia Meloni sent public congratulations, highlighting the milestone and ongoing international engagement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi became India’s longest continuously serving elected prime minister on Wednesday. World leaders marked the milestone with public messages and statements. Modi’s unbroken tenure reached 4,399 days, after being elected in 2014. The figure passed Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister, who held office for 4,398 days after the 1952 election.

Among those who sent greetings were European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump. Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and former UK PM Rishi Sunak also posted messages. More leaders from the US, Africa and other regions shared similar congratulations online.

Modi longest continuously serving elected prime minister: Trump and Russia react

Congratulating his friend, President Trump wrote on Truth Social that Prime Minister Modi is a Great One. "He is a strong, healthy, and wise man, and will have many years of Greatness and Success ahead of him,\" Trump said. The message was part of a wider set of international responses to the tenure record achieved on Wednesday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia wanted Modi to keep supporting stronger bilateral ties. \"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,\" Peskov said in a felicitation speech.

A video of Peskov’s remarks 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,\" Peskov said. Peskov also said 250 million people were lifted out of poverty under Modi.

Peskov described India as a place where high technologies are being developed. Peskov also said India has become a leading economic power. Referring to ties, Peskov said: \"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.\"

Peskov added: \"And we hope that Prime Minister Modi will continue to contribute to further development of the India-Russia relations.\" The comments placed emphasis on continued dialogue between Moscow and New Delhi. Peskov’s remarks were among the strongest statements from a foreign government on the milestone.

Modi longest continuously serving elected prime minister: EU, Israel, Canada, Italy and Germany messages

Netanyahu addressed Modi as a dear friend in a video message shared on social media. Netanyahu congratulated Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected prime minister. Von der Leyen praised Modi’s leadership and said: \"With you, India not only landed on the moon, it is shooting for the stars.\" The EU leader linked the record to broader cooperation.

Von der Leyen also wrote: \"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 recalled the recently-launched Special Strategic Partnership between India and Italy. 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.\"

Merz pointed to the strategic partnership between Germany and India. \"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 wrote: \"As Canada and India renew our partnership, I look forward to continuing our work to deliver greater prosperity for both our peoples.\" Sunak called it a remarkable milestone.

Modi longest continuously serving elected prime minister: wider global congratulations

Other leaders who praised Modi included Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and former Irish PM Leo Varadkar also posted greetings. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung, Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, Sri Lankan President Aruna Kumara Dissanayake and Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay were also listed among those sending messages.

Former Australian PM Scott Morrison also congratulated Modi. Tobgay posted an open letter addressing Modi as friend, brother and mentor. Tobgay recalled a first meeting during Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in 2014. Tobgay wrote: \"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,\"

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 values close and longstanding friendship with India.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wrote on Tuesday that Modi is a trusted ally. Tinubu said the record reflects confidence and trust by citizens over 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.\" Several other political figures also posted congratulations.

Modi longest continuously serving elected prime minister: how Nehru and Indira Gandhi tenures compare

Nehru first won election to the post in 1952 and served until May 27, 1964. That elected stretch totalled 4,398 days, now surpassed by Modi’s 4,399 days. Nehru also led an interim government from 1947 to 1952. Elections were not held until 1952, so that earlier period was not counted in the elected tenure comparison.

Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi served for more than 15 years in total, but not without a break. Indira Gandhi’s first three consecutive terms ran from January 1966 to March 1977. Indira Gandhi lost power in 1977 and returned in January 1980 for a fourth term. Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984, ending that final stint.

With inputs from PTI