NEW DELHI: Leaders from across the world, including US President Donald Trump, congratulated PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday after he became India’s longest continuously serving elected PM, with several describing the milestone as a reflection of the trust reposed in him by voters over three consecutive parliamentary elections.Among the first to post a message was Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, who wrote, “Congratulations to @narendramodi who today becomes the longest-serving elected PM in the history of India.” She added, “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.”In his message, Trump said, “Congratulations to my friend, PM Narendra Modi, on becoming India’s longest-serving PM — And a great one he is! He is a strong, healthy, and wise man, and will have many years of greatness and success ahead of him!”In response, PM Modi thanked Trump and said he looked forward to working with him. “Thank you, President Trump, for your warm wishes. I look forward to working with you to further advance the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, for the benefit of both our nations and the world.”Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali described Modi as his “elder brother and dear friend” and congratulated him on “the historic milestone of leading India with vision and determination across three consecutive democratic mandates as India’s longest serving PM”. He praised PM Modi’s role in poverty reduction, and his advocacy for the Global South.Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay published a detailed tribute titled “Prime Minister Narendra Modi: My Friend, My Brother, My Mentor”, describing Modi as “a trusted friend”, “an elder brother” and “a mentor whose dedication to public service continues to inspire me”. He said the people of Bhutan would remember Modi for his “unwavering support and goodwill” towards the Himalayan nation.Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said he looked forward to “further strengthening the enduring ties”, while President Mohamed Muizzu said the Maldives was eager to deepen cooperation with India, “guided by mutual respect, sovereign equality, and shared interests”.Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, Kenyan President William Ruto and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung all called Modi’s achievement “a testament to your leadership and to the enduring trust and confidence that the people of India have placed in you”.Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim said milestone reflected PM Modi’s “years of dedicated public service and leadership”, while Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described him as “a personal friend and trusted ally”.
