Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday became India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister, crossing the milestone of 4,399 consecutive days in office and surpassing the record set by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
The achievement is set to be formally recognised at a major National Democratic Alliance (NDA) conclave in New Delhi, where senior leaders of the ruling coalition are expected to honour the Prime Minister’s tenure and review the government’s future roadmap.
The meeting, scheduled at Bharat Mandapam, will bring together chief ministers, deputy chief ministers and senior leaders from all 22 NDA-ruled states and Union Territories.
Prime Minister Modi is expected to chair the gathering, which will also be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda and other senior leaders.
The NDA is likely to pass a resolution congratulating Prime Minister Modi on achieving the historic feat of becoming the country’s longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister.
Reports noted that while former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi spent more than 14 years in office, her tenure was not continuous.
In contrast, PM Modi’s uninterrupted period in office since 2014 has enabled him to surpass Nehru’s record for continuous service after India’s first general elections.
Nehru’s tenure from 1952 onwards is considered for this comparison, as he headed an interim government prior to the elections.
FOCUS ON GOVERNANCE, VIKSIT BHARAT AND GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTS
The NDA conclave is expected to deliberate on a wide-ranging agenda, including a review of flagship welfare schemes, major infrastructure projects and efforts aimed at ensuring benefits reach the last mile.
ANI reported, citing sources, that discussions are also expected on the roadmap for ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 and the evolving situation in West Asia.
Leaders from NDA allies, including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, are also expected to participate in the meeting.
The gathering is being seen as both a celebration of the coalition’s 12-year tenure and an opportunity to outline political and governance priorities for the coming years.
MEA HIGHLIGHTS INDIA’S GLOBAL OUTREACH UNDER PM MODI
Ahead of the milestone, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted what it described as a significant transformation in India’s foreign policy over the past 12 years.
In a post on X, the ministry said India’s diplomatic engagement had strengthened both “Brand India" and the country’s standing on the global stage under PM Modi’s leadership.
The ministry pointed to initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, India’s efforts to promote digital public infrastructure, including the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) internationally, and the country’s role as a voice for the Global South and a first responder during global crises.
“Over the last 12 years, India’s foreign policy has witnessed a remarkable transformation, strengthening both Brand India and India’s standing on the global stage under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi," the MEA said.
TRIBUTES POUR IN FROM INDIA AND ABROAD
The milestone has triggered congratulatory messages from political leaders, ministers, global dignitaries and members of the Indian diaspora.
According to reports, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described the achievement as a reflection of the trust repeatedly placed in PM Modi’s leadership by the people of India.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar also praised PM Modi’s leadership and India’s growing international profile.
Tributes also came from the United States. Senator John Cornyn congratulated PM Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister, while business leaders and members of the Indian diaspora credited his tenure with strengthening India’s global standing and expanding India-US ties.
