Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has publicly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, crediting him with elevating India's stature on the world stage and delivering 'tremendous' achievements — while simultaneously drawing attention to what he called an organised international effort to undermine the Indian leader. Vucic made the remarks during a pre-election broadcast in Belgrade ahead of the 25 October Serbian parliamentary elections.

What Vucic Said

'Let me tell you, for example, you have a leader like Narendra Modi. And now there is an effort to undermine him. The man who raised India to the heavens. He tries to follow the main teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. India became so important on the world stage because of him. He has done tremendous things, yet they try to tear him down by claiming he failed. I want to tell you it has become a pattern,' Vucic said.

The former president framed these efforts as part of a broader global trend targeting popular, nationally recognised leaders — drawing a parallel, implicitly, to his own political circumstances in Serbia.

Vucic's X Post on Modi's 25-Year Milestone

Vucic also posted a formal congratulatory message on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, as Prime Minister Modi marked 25 years of uninterrupted public service in the highest offices of government — first as Chief Minister of Gujarat and subsequently as Prime Minister of India.

'Congratulations, Narendra Modi, on completing 25 years of public service at the highest level. Few people can say they have devoted a quarter of a century to serving their country, first as Chief Minister of Gujarat and then as Prime Minister of India. I know how deeply you care about India and its future, and the world can see how high you have raised India. I wish you many more years of good health, strength and success in serving the great Indian people. India is blessed to have you,' Vucic wrote.

Modi's 25-year milestone drew congratulatory messages from leaders across the world, with several describing the achievement as 'rare in any democracy' and a 'powerful testament' to sustained public confidence in his leadership.

A Pattern of Praise: Earlier Exchanges

This is not the first time Vucic has publicly lauded Modi. In June, when Prime Minister Modi became India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister, Vucic posted on X: 'Heartfelt congratulations to PM Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in the history of India.'

At the time, Vucic added: 'Such longevity in the highest office of the state reflects the trust that citizens place in a leader who has dedicated his life to serving the people and advancing his country. The true strength of a statesman is not measured by years in office, or the number of mandates won, but by the legacy he leaves behind, the results he delivers, and the vision that endures the politics of the day.'

Vucic also referred to his personal interaction with Modi: 'I particularly cherish the memory of our most recent meeting, marked by mutual understanding and sincere respect. In my conversation with Prime Minister Modi, I recognized the wisdom of an experienced statesman and a leader who deeply understands the challenges of the modern world and the importance of preserving tradition, identity, and national interests.'

Context: Vucic's Own Political Transition

Vucic resigned as Serbia's President on 27 September 2026 to contest the 25 October elections for the post of Prime Minister. His remarks about global campaigns to 'tear down' popular leaders carry domestic resonance as well — Vucic himself has faced sustained international criticism and domestic opposition during his tenure. The parallel he drew to Modi's situation underscores a broader geopolitical framing that several nationalist leaders have adopted in recent years.

What It Signals

The effusive praise from a European head of state-turned-prime-ministerial candidate reflects the growing diplomatic visibility that India has cultivated under Modi, particularly through its G20 presidency and its balancing act between Western alliances and partnerships with Russia and the Global South. As Modi enters his 26th year of continuous governance, international endorsements of this kind — especially from leaders navigating their own political battles — will likely feature prominently in the domestic political narrative.