Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni after she became the longest continuously serving prime minister in Italy’s post-war history. Modi described Meloni as a “friend” and said her achievement reflected the trust and confidence she enjoys among the Italian people.

In a post on X, Modi congratulated Meloni on reaching the milestone. “Congratulations to my friend Prime Minister Meloni on becoming the longest continuously serving Prime Minister in Italy's postwar history,” PM Modi said.

Modi said Meloni’s record showed the confidence and trust placed in her by the people of Italy. He also praised her contribution to strengthening relations between India and Italy. Modi highlighted her role in deepening the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

“Her friendship has also been instrumental in strengthening the India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership, and I look forward to continuing our close cooperation to build a prosperous future for the people of our countries,” Modi said.

The Indian prime minister also wished Meloni continued success in the years ahead. Meloni became Italy’s first woman prime minister when she took office on October 22, 2022. Her government completed 1,413 days in office on Friday. This helped her cross the previous post-war record held by former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Meloni and Modi have also congratulated each other on important political milestones. In July, Meloni congratulated Modi after he became India’s longest-serving elected prime minister. She also referred to their recent meeting in Rome and the decision to strengthen ties between the two countries.

“It has been a pleasure to meet again in Rome in recent weeks and to launch together a Special Strategic Partnership that looks to the future to create new opportunities for our Nations and our peoples,” Meloni said in a post on X.

India and Italy upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership during Modi’s two-day official visit to Italy in May. During the visit, Modi held talks with Meloni and Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation further between the two countries.

The leaders welcomed the growing momentum in high-level exchanges between India and Italy. They agreed to hold annual meetings between their leaders. These meetings can also take place on the sidelines of major multilateral events. The two countries also agreed to increase regular engagement at the ministerial and institutional levels.

The relationship between Modi and Meloni has also attracted attention through their informal and light-hearted interactions during diplomatic engagements. One such moment came during Modi’s visit to Italy, when he presented Meloni with a packet of “Melody” toffees. The gesture revived the popular “#Melodi” social media moment associated with the two leaders.

Meloni’s latest record marks a significant moment in Italy’s political history. Her government has now remained in office longer than any other continuously serving Italian government in the post-war period. Modi’s message also highlighted the close political ties that have developed between India and Italy under the leadership of the two prime ministers.

The two countries have continued to expand cooperation across several areas while maintaining regular high-level contact. Their decision to establish a Special Strategic Partnership reflects the growing importance both sides attach to their bilateral relationship. Modi’s congratulatory message further underlined his intention to continue working closely with Meloni to strengthen ties between India and Italy.