NEW DELHI, Jun 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday received congratulatory messages from several world leaders on the eve of becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister, with leaders from across continents praising his leadership, governance record and contributions to global diplomacy.
According to a government release, the messages highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s role in driving India’s economic and social transformation, strengthening the voice of the Global South and enhancing India’s stature on the world stage.
Among those extending their greetings was Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, who, in a letter dated June 8, conveyed the congratulations of the Government and people of Sri Lanka.
“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,” Disanayaka wrote.
The Sri Lankan President also praised India’s progress under Modi’s leadership and noted that his vision had inspired countries beyond India’s borders, including Sri Lanka. He recalled the close partnership between the two neighbours and India’s support during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2022.
The release noted that Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6, 2025, reaffirmed India’s Neighbourhood First policy. During the visit, he was conferred the Mitra Vibhushana, Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honour awarded to a foreign dignitary.
Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea also congratulated Modi through a personal video message, describing him as “a role model and an example of leadership.”
“Lifting over 200 million people out of poverty to good life today is an amazing feat,” Marape said, while expressing Papua New Guinea’s desire to further strengthen bilateral ties with India.
The government release highlighted that Modi’s visit to Papua New Guinea in May 2023 for the Third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC-III) Summit was the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Pacific nation. The visit was regarded as a significant milestone in India’s outreach to Pacific Island countries and its broader engagement with the Global South.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago also extended her congratulations, noting that “under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has evolved as a leading voice on global matters.”
She praised Modi’s journey from humble beginnings to leading the world’s most populous democracy for three consecutive terms and highlighted India’s achievements in foreign policy, economic growth, infrastructure development and social progress during his tenure.
The release noted that Modi’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago in July 2025 was the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation in 26 years. The visit coincided with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian immigrants in Trinidad and Tobago and was seen as a landmark moment in strengthening historical and cultural ties between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi is set to surpass the record of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to become the country’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. The milestone comes as the BJP-led government marks 12 years in office and highlights achievements in economic development, welfare delivery, infrastructure expansion and India’s growing influence in global affairs.
The messages from foreign leaders underscored the international recognition of Modi’s leadership and reflected India’s expanding diplomatic engagement across regions ranging from South Asia and the Pacific to the Caribbean, the government release said. (UNI)
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