Testament to people's trust: World leaders congratulate PM Modi on record tenure

Published 10 June 2026 · politics

Congratulatory messages poured in from world leaders on Wednesday after Narendra Modi became India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister, surpassing the tenure record set by Jawaharlal

Congratulatory messages poured in from world leaders on Wednesday after Narendra Modi became India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister, surpassing the tenure record set by Jawaharlal Nehru and drawing praise for his leadership, governance and global outreach. Having first assumed office on May 26, 2014, Modi completed 4,399 consecutive days as Prime Minister, overtaking Nehru's 4,398 uninterrupted days as the head of an elected government following India's first general elections in 1952. Read Full Story Leaders from across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific hailed the milestone, describing Modi as a transformative leader whose tenure has coincided with India's growing economic influence, stronger global standing and advocacy for the Global South. In a letter, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the achievement reflected the faith Indians had repeatedly placed in Modi's leadership. "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," Dissanayake wrote. The Sri Lankan leader also pointed to India's economic and social transformation under Modi and said his vision had inspired many beyond India's borders, including Sri Lanka.

I extend my warm congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi on becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in the history of India. Sri Lanka values our close partnership and looks forward to further strengthening the enduring ties between our two nations.— Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) June 10, 2026 The two countries have strengthened ties in recent years, with Modi being conferred Sri Lanka's highest civilian honour for a foreign dignitary during his visit to the island nation in 2025. On his part, European Union Council chief Antonio Costa said under the Prime Minister's "visionary leadership, relations between the EU and India are stronger than ever, as evidenced by our historic summit earlier this year." Congratulations Prime Minister @narendramodi on becoming the longest serving Prime Minister of India. Under your visionary leadership, relations between the EU and India are stronger than ever, as evidenced by our historic summit earlier this year. I look forward to our— António Costa (@eucopresident) June 10, 2026 Australia's former Prime Minister Tony Abbott said under PM Modi's leadership, "India has become the world’s third superpower while maintaining free elections, a riotously free media and a robustly independent judiciary." Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape described PM Modi as "a role model and an example of leadership" in a personal video message.