PM cheers Meloni's record; she thanks him, says India ties are stronger than ever

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni thanked Narendra Modi for congratulating her on becoming Italy's longest-serving prime minister since World War II. She said India-Italy ties were stronger than ever and expressed confidence in deepening the Special Strategic Partnership and cooperation on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

In Short

• Meloni crossed 1,413 days in office on Thursday to set the mark
• She has led Italy since 22 October 2022 as first woman premier
• Modi said Italians' trust in her leadership was reflected in the feat

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni thanked her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, after he congratulated her on becoming Italy’s longest-serving prime minister since World War II. Thanking Modi for his words and friendship, Meloni said ties between the two countries were stronger than ever.

Meloni said the Special Strategic Partnership launched during their last meeting reflected the importance of the relationship and the two countries’ desire to combine their expertise to create new opportunities for growth. She said India and Italy had “extraordinary opportunities for collaboration” ahead.

“The Special Strategic Partnership that we launched during our last meeting is a recognition of the importance of this bond and of the will to unite the expertise of our Nations to create new opportunities for growth,” Meloni said, adding that the two countries should seize the opportunities before them.

Meloni also expressed confidence that India and Italy would continue strengthening ties between Europe and Asia, while working together on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

“I am certain that Italy and India, together, will continue to strengthen the bond between our Continents as well, working side by side also to develop the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor,” Meloni added.

Earlier, PM Modi congratulated Meloni on becoming the longest continuously serving prime minister in Italy's post-war history. He said the milestone reflected the trust and confidence of the Italian people in her leadership.

Meloni, 49, has been Italy's Prime Minister since October 22, 2022. On Thursday, after completing 1,413 days in office, she became the country's longest-serving uninterrupted prime minister since World War II. She is also the first woman to hold the post.

In a post on X, Modi said, "Congratulations to my friend Prime Minister Meloni on becoming the longest continuously serving Prime Minister in Italy's postwar history. This milestone is a reflection of the trust and confidence of the Italian people in her leadership."

He said Meloni's friendship had also been instrumental in strengthening the India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership and added that he looked forward to continuing close cooperation to build a prosperous future for the people of both countries.

"My best wishes for her continued success in the years ahead," Modi said.

Modi himself became India's longest continuously serving elected prime minister on 10 June 2026 after completing 4,399 consecutive days in office. His message to Meloni underlined her record in Italy and referred to the ties between the two countries and their continued cooperation.

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