Modi Becomes India’s Longest-Serving PM

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi became India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister on June 10, surpassing former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s record with 4,399 days in office. The milestone drew congratulations from across the United States and around the world, with American lawmakers, Indian American business leaders and global leaders praising his leadership, democratic mandate and India’s growing international influence.

Among the first to congratulate Modi was U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican.

“Congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister — 4,399 days of leadership earned through the trust of 1.4 billion people across three democratic mandates,” Cornyn said.

“From lifting 250 million out of poverty to making India the world’s fastest-growing major economy, PM Modi’s tenure has been nothing short of transformational. The US-India partnership has never been stronger.”

Arun Agarwal, co-founder of the Indian American CEO Council and chair of the Texas Economic Development Corporation, said the milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on India’s transformation over the past 12 years.

“The India of 2026 is not the India of 2014,” Agarwal wrote, adding that India today commands greater attention and influence on the global stage and is increasingly viewed as a nation realizing its potential.

Nikesh Arora, chairman and chief executive officer of Palo Alto Networks, also congratulated Modi, calling his tenure transformational and expressing optimism about continued U.S.-India partnership.

Mary Millben, an American singer and longtime advocate of stronger U.S.-India ties, called the occasion “a historic, democratic milestone in the journey of a great Nation.”

“Today, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to my friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving Prime Minister,” she said, adding that his leadership and vision had helped shape “an era of transformation.”

The achievement also prompted tributes from leaders across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Pacific and the Caribbean.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the milestone reflected the trust and confidence repeatedly placed in Modi’s leadership and highlighted India’s economic and social transformation.

Rabi Lamichhane, president of Nepal’s ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party, called the achievement a “remarkable feat.”

“Warmest congratulations to PM Narendra Modi on the historic milestone of becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister of India, a remarkable feat. I fondly recall our recent meeting in Delhi and the insightful discussions we shared,” Lamichhane posted on X.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay congratulated Modi on behalf of the King, government and people of Bhutan.

“Few democratic leaders have had the opportunity to shape their nations over such an extended period. Fewer still have done so while continuously earning the trust and confidence of their people,” Tobgay wrote.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Modi had guided India’s growth and development while elevating its global stature.

“Prime Minister Modi, I sincerely congratulate you on becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister of India, the world’s largest democracy,” Lee posted on X.

Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, said: “Congratulations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister of India. Under your visionary leadership, relations between the EU and India are stronger than ever.”

Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh said the achievement was “a testament to your leadership and to the enduring trust and confidence that the people of India have placed in you.”

Reuven Azar, Israel’s ambassador to India, congratulated Modi and credited him with transforming India’s economy through major reforms.

“Congratulations, PM Narendra Modi, for being the longest-serving prime minister of Bharat! Like your friend, PM Benjamin Netanyahu, the longest-serving Prime Minister of Israel, you have transformed the Indian economy through multiple deep reforms and set the country on the path of success!” Azar posted on X.

Kenyan President William Ruto said Modi’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister reflected dedication, perseverance and public service.

“Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on attaining a historic milestone in public service, as today you become the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India’s history,” Ruto posted on X.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali described Modi as an “elder brother and dear friend.”

“His governance has lifted millions out of poverty, rolled out digital public infrastructure at population scale, and driven unprecedented infrastructure growth. He has been a strong and sustained voice of the Global South,” Ali said.

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka conveyed his appreciation and admiration for Modi’s leadership and service to India.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape described Modi as a role model and praised India’s success in lifting millions out of poverty.

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said India had emerged as a leading voice on global issues under Modi’s leadership and highlighted its achievements in foreign policy, economic growth, infrastructure development and social progress.

The broad international response reflected Modi’s standing on the global stage after more than a decade in office, with leaders and public figures across continents citing India’s economic rise, expanding diplomatic influence and growing role in global affairs under his leadership. (IANS)