World leaders greet Modi on completing 25 years as an elected head of government

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (October 7, 2026) marked 25 years in public office. File. | Photo Credit: PMO via PTI Leaders from various countries across the world on Wednesday (October 7, 2026) extended greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for completing 25 years as the elected head of a government, first as Chief Minister of Gujarat from October 2001 and then as the Prime Minister from May 2014.Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, through an X post, noted that Mr. Modi had dedicated himself to the development of Indian society and the nation over the years. “I express my deep respect for your achievements in advancing India’s development and elevating its standing in the international community,” she said.“While experiencing India’s culinary culture and music, I was able to engage in concrete discussions with Prime Minister Modi on measures to advance the Japan-India ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’ to a new stage, making my stay immensely fruitful,” she said, recounting her visit to India in July.Ms. Takaichi said, “To realise a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)’, Japan and India, which share strategic directions, will further strengthen our partnership through even closer collaboration with Prime Minister Modi.”‘Avatar of our times’Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever extended greetings to Mr. Modi. “Following my productive visit to India last month, I look forward to further deepening the strong partnership between our two countries,” he said.Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay called Mr. Modi “an avatar of our times”. Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko said: “We commend you for your dedication and service to the people of India. We wish you success in the years ahead and look forward to the enduring friendship between our countries.”‘Emphasis on good governance’“From Gujarat to leading the world’s largest democracy, Prime Minister Modi’s journey has been marked by a strong emphasis on good governance, innovation, technology, infrastructure and development, contributing to India’s transformation and its growing role on the global stage,” said Philippines President Bongbong Marcos.“From our Strategic Partnership in 2025 to the Philippines joining the CDRI last month, our ties continue to grow from strength to strength. I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi to Manila for the ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits in November,” he added.Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit also congratulated Mr. Modi.‘Inspiring leadership across the Global South’Wishing Mr. Modi on the occasion, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said: “From the transformation of Gujarat to India’s emergence as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, his leadership in infrastructure, digital public goods, financial inclusion and innovation has lifted millions and inspired nations across the Global South.”“As fellow democracies and leading voices of the Global South, Nigeria and India share a common commitment to a fairer, more inclusive and more representative international order,” he said. Published - October 07, 2026 07:29 pm IST