Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the longest-serving elected Prime Minister of India, surpassing the record previously held by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and marking a major milestone in the country’s modern political history.
From 26 May 2014 to 10 June 2026, PM Modi has served 4,399 consecutive days in office, overtaking Nehru’s 4,398 days as India’s first elected Prime Minister, who held office from 1952 to 1964.
The milestone has drawn widespread international reaction, with leaders from Australia and the Pacific joining global figures in acknowledging his extended tenure and India’s growing diplomatic influence.
Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull congratulated Mr Modi and highlighted Australia–India cooperation, saying: “Congratulations @narendramodi on becoming India’s longest serving Prime Minister.”
“Thank you for your friendship with Australia and for your strong and consistent support of all forms of renewable energy including pumped hydro storage.”
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott praised PM Modi’s impact on India’s development and global standing, stating: “Congratulations to Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest serving PM. He hasn’t just held office, he’s dramatically improved his country, with more infrastructure, better IT, and practical things like power and sanitation extended to remote villages.”
“Under Modi, India has become the world’s third superpower while maintaining free elections, a riotously free media and a robustly independent judiciary. But for him, and the late Shinzo Abe, there would be no Quad so the entire free world owes him a debt of gratitude.”
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison also extended his congratulations, saying: “Warm congratulations to PM @narendramodi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister.”
“A true statesman who has transformed India’s economy and standing in the world. Proud of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership we built together. Congrats my friend.”
Pacific leaders also joined in recognising PM Modi’s leadership, reflecting India’s growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape described PM Modi as “a role model and an example of leadership”, noting his contribution to lifting millions out of poverty and strengthening ties with Pacific Island nations.
Fiji’s Prime Minister SL Rabuka “conveyed appreciation and admiration for PM Narendra Modi’s leadership and his service to India.” He also acknowledged India’s continued partnership and support, highlighting deepening cooperation in development, education, healthcare and people-to-people links.
“Fiji values India’s continued partnership and support, and I look forward to building on the many achievements we have accomplished together.”
PM Modi first assumed office on 26 May 2014 and has since led India through three consecutive national mandates, becoming the first elected Prime Minister in Indian history to cross the 4,399-day mark in continuous service.
His tenure has been marked by major infrastructure expansion, rapid digital transformation, large-scale welfare delivery systems and sustained economic growth. Supporters say these reforms have contributed to significant poverty reduction and improved access to services across rural and urban India.
India’s international profile has also strengthened during this period, with expanded engagement in global forums, trade agreements and strategic partnerships, including closer alignment with Indo-Pacific partners and participation in multilateral initiatives.
PM Modi’s rise from a modest socio-economic background to India’s highest elected office without a political dynasty is widely seen as an example of democratic mobility within the world’s largest democracy.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
