How global leaders hailed PM Modi becoming India's longest-serving PM: 'A role model in leadership'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi became India's longest-serving elected prime minister on 10 June. With this milestone, PM Modi overtakes Jawaharlal Nehru's tenure as the country's longest-serving elected leader.

PM Modi took oath as prime minister for the first time on 26 May, 2014. He is in his third term as PM and completes 4,399 consecutive days in office on 10 today.

The record for the longest stint before PM Modi is held by the first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who served as Prime Minister of India for 16 years and 4,398 days.

PM Modi had already overtaken former prime minister Indira Gandhi’s longest uninterrupted tenure on 25 July, 2025. Indira Gandhi served continuously as prime minister from 24 January 1966 to 24 March 1977 – a tenure of 4,077 days.

Overall, Nehru was PM for 6131 days, including 27 May 1964, the day he died before completing his third term in office. Nehru was elected Prime Minister after the Congress party won the first general elections in 1951-52 and then in 1957 and 1962.

Anura Kumara Disanayaka, the President of Sri Lanka, in a letter dated June 8, addressed to the Prime Minister, conveyed the warm congratulations of the Government and people of Sri Lanka to him, 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."

The President also highlighted India's remarkable economic and social transformation and noted that Prime Minister Modi's vision has inspired many beyond India's borders, including Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Modi visited Sri Lanka from 4-6 April 2025, his fourth visit to the island nation, during which he was conferred the Mitra Vibhushana, Sri Lanka's highest civilian honour accorded to a foreign dignitary. The visit reaffirmed India's Neighbourhood First policy, with Sri Lanka among the closest beneficiaries of India's steadfast partnership, including India's pivotal support during Sri Lanka's economic difficulties in 2022.

James Marape, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, in a personal video message, described Prime Minister Modi as "a role model and an example of leadership". He also stated, "Lifting over 200 million people out of poverty to a good life today is an amazing feat."

Prime Minister Marape expressed Papua New Guinea's warm friendship and its desire to further consolidate bilateral ties. Prime Minister Modi's historic visit to Papua New Guinea in May 2023, the first-ever by an Indian Prime Minister, for the Third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC-III) Summit, was a landmark moment in India's engagement with the Pacific Island nations. The visit underscored India's role as a committed partner of the Global South.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, congratulated Prime Minister Modi on this occassion, noting that "under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has evolved as a leading voice on global matters." She highlighted Prime Minister Modi's journey from humble beginnings to leading a nation of 1.4 billion people across three terms, and underscored India's significant achievements in foreign policy, economic growth, infrastructure, and socio-economic development.

Prime Minister Modi paid a landmark visit to Trinidad and Tobago from 3-4 July 2025, the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 26 years, coinciding with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian immigrants to Trinidad and Tobago.

(With agency inputs)