PM Modi marks 25 years as head of government, thanks world leaders
Synopsis
On 7 October 2026, Modi quietly crossed a remarkable threshold — 25 consecutive years as a head of government, from crisis-hit Gujarat in 2001 to leading the world's most populous democracy. The flood of diplomatic well-wishes from Africa to Europe to Southeast Asia underlines just how dramatically India's international standing has shifted across that quarter-century.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi completed 25 uninterrupted years as head of government on 7 October 2026 .
His tenure began as Gujarat Chief Minister on 7 October 2001 , replacing Keshubhai Patel in the aftermath of the Bhuj earthquake .
Leaders from Nigeria , Dominica , Belgium , the Philippines , Bhutan , and Botswana extended congratulatory messages.
Modi responded to each via posts on X , reaffirming bilateral partnerships and the Global South agenda.
His reply to Bhutan's PM linked cooperation to his domestic Viksit Bharat vision.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7 October 2026 thanked a string of world leaders for their warm congratulatory messages as he completed 25 uninterrupted years as head of government — a milestone that spans his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister from 2001 and as Prime Minister of India from 2014. The felicitations poured in from across continents, with Modi responding to each via posts on X.
The Milestone and Its Origins
Modi was first appointed Gujarat Chief Minister on 7 October 2001, stepping in to replace Keshubhai Patel at a particularly demanding moment — the state was still recovering from the catastrophic Bhuj earthquake and faced significant administrative and political challenges. He held that post until 2014, when he led the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to a decisive national mandate and assumed office as Prime Minister. He has since won re-election twice, making him one of the longest-serving heads of government in India's democratic history.
World Leaders Who Extended Wishes
Among those who reached out were Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Botswana President Dumo Gideon Boko. The breadth of the list — spanning Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, Southeast Asia, and South Asia — reflects India's expanding diplomatic footprint under Modi's tenure.
What Modi Said in Response
Responding to President Tinubu, Modi described India and Nigeria as 'close partners and leading voices of the Global South' and expressed a desire to advance 'a shared vision for a more inclusive, prosperous and peaceful world.' To Prime Minister Skerrit of Dominica, he highlighted India's 'enduring friendship' with the island nation and a commitment to 'shared progress and prosperity.'
On Bhutan, Modi struck a notably warm tone, writing that the two nations are 'bound by an enduring partnership rooted in mutual trust and understanding' and linking bilateral cooperation to his broader domestic vision of Viksit Bharat. To Belgium's De Wever, he spoke of building on 'positive momentum' in bilateral relations, while his reply to the Philippines' Marcos Jr. reaffirmed India's Strategic Partnership with Manila. Modi also thanked Botswana's President Boko, calling for deepened 'close ties' between the two countries.
India's Growing International Profile
Modi's quarter-century in executive office has coincided with a substantial expansion of India's global diplomatic engagement. New Delhi has deepened ties with major powers, taken a leading role in multilateral forums such as the G20 and the Global South dialogue, and pursued an active bilateral agenda across Africa, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific. This comes amid heightened global interest in India as a counterweight in a multipolar world order.
What Comes Next
The milestone is largely symbolic, but the diplomatic responses underscore the political capital Modi has accumulated internationally. Observers will watch whether the anniversary translates into fresh bilateral deliverables — particularly with the Philippines and Nigeria, with whom Strategic Partnership frameworks are in varying stages of development. Any follow-up summits or state visits in the near term would be a practical measure of intent beyond the ceremonial well-wishing.
Point of View
And the volume of foreign felicitations signals that India's diplomatic capital has grown measurably over this period. Yet the milestone also invites scrutiny: longevity in office is not synonymous with institutional depth, and India's governance challenges — from federal tensions to economic inequality — remain formidable. The responses from the Philippines, Nigeria and Bhutan are warm, but each of those Strategic Partnerships carries unresolved deliverables. The real test of the anniversary is not the number of congratulatory posts it generates, but whether the diplomatic relationships it celebrates translate into concrete outcomes for Indian citizens.
NationPress
7 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How has PM Modi completed 25 years as head of government?
Modi was appointed Gujarat Chief Minister on 7 October 2001 and has held executive office continuously ever since — first as Chief Minister until 2014, then as Prime Minister of India. As of 7 October 2026, that adds up to 25 uninterrupted years as head of government.
Which world leaders congratulated PM Modi on the milestone?
Leaders who sent wishes include Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Botswana President Dumo Gideon Boko.
Why was Modi appointed Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001?
Modi was chosen to replace Keshubhai Patel as Gujarat Chief Minister in October 2001 at a difficult time for the state, which was still recovering from the devastating Bhuj earthquake and facing significant political and administrative challenges.
What did Modi say in his replies to world leaders?
Modi used his replies on X to reaffirm bilateral ties, describing India and Nigeria as 'leading voices of the Global South,' highlighting an 'enduring friendship' with Dominica, and linking India-Bhutan cooperation to his Viksit Bharat vision. Each response emphasised shared prosperity and deeper partnership.
What does India's expanded diplomatic outreach under Modi signify?
Under Modi's tenure, India has pursued greater engagement with major powers and taken a prominent role in Global South forums such as the G20. The breadth of congratulatory messages — spanning Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia and South Asia — reflects the widening scope of New Delhi's foreign policy ties over 25 years.
