PM Modi Congratulates Giorgia Meloni As Italy’s Longest-Serving Postwar Prime Minister

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after she became the longest continuously serving prime minister in Italy’s postwar history. Modi described the milestone as a reflection of the trust and confidence placed in Meloni’s leadership by the Italian people, while also highlighting her role in strengthening ties between India and Italy.

Meloni’s government reached 1,413 days in office on Friday, surpassing the previous postwar record held by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. She assumed office on October 22, 2022, becoming Italy’s first woman prime minister. Her government has since remained in power through a period marked by major domestic and international political developments.

In his congratulatory message, Modi highlighted the progress made in bilateral relations under Meloni’s leadership. He noted her contribution to strengthening the India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership and expressed his readiness to continue working closely with her to create opportunities and support a prosperous future for the people of both countries.

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The latest exchange follows Meloni’s congratulatory message to Modi earlier in July, when she marked his milestone as India’s longest-serving elected prime minister. She also highlighted the importance of their cooperation and the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries, reflecting the growing emphasis placed by both governments on closer bilateral engagement.

Modi’s recent official visit to Italy in May further strengthened the relationship between the two countries. During his meetings with Meloni and Italian President Sergio Mattarella, the two sides agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Special Strategic Partnership. They also welcomed the momentum in high-level exchanges and agreed to pursue annual meetings between leaders, alongside regular ministerial and institutional-level engagements.

The personal rapport between Modi and Meloni has also attracted considerable public attention, particularly through the recurring “Melodi” social media trend combining their names. During Modi’s Italy visit, he presented Meloni with a packet of Melody toffees in a light-hearted exchange that she later shared on social media. The informal moment added a personal dimension to the broader diplomatic relationship between the two leaders.

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