Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday completed 25 years in public service at the helm of government, marking a political journey that began as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 and continued with his tenure as Prime Minister of India from 2014. Leaders from Japan, Belgium and Nigeria congratulated Modi and praised his long political career, leadership and contribution to India’s development.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi congratulated Modi on the occasion and recalled her visit to India in July this year. She thanked him for the hospitality extended to her during the visit and praised his leadership since he became Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001.

“Today, on the 25th anniversary of Prime Minister Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. For many years, you have dedicated yourself to the development of Indian society and the nation, and since 2001, you have demonstrated outstanding political leadership over a long period as Chief Minister", she wrote in a post on X.

Takaichi said the Modi government had contributed to India’s development and strengthened its position on the global stage.

“I express my deep respect for your achievements in advancing India’s development and elevating its standing in the international community. Moreover, during my visit to India in July this year, I was extended the warmest hospitality, for which I once again express my sincere gratitude", she wrote.

She also recalled her interactions with Modi during her India visit, including discussions on strengthening the Japan-India partnership.

“While experiencing India’s culinary culture and music, I was able to engage in concrete discussions with Prime Minister Modi on measures to advance the Japan-India ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’ to a new stage, making my stay immensely fruitful", the Japanese leader wrote.

Takaichi said India and Japan would further strengthen their strategic ties under the ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ framework. She noted that 2027 will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“Next year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and India. To realise a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),’ Japan and India, which share strategic directions, will further strengthen our partnership through even closer collaboration with Prime Minister Modi", she wrote.

She also described Modi’s 25-year political journey as an achievement worthy of respect.

“On the occasion of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji completing 25 years in office as head of government, I would like to extend my best wishes. For years, he has been striving to realise the development of Indian society and the nation, and since 2001, he has been serving in the position of head of government with his outstanding political leadership."

“Along with accelerating India’s development, he has elevated India’s prestige to new heights on the international stage as well. For all these accomplishments, as a fellow politician, I express my sentiments of respect."

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever also congratulated Modi on completing 25 years in public office.

“I warmly congratulate Prime Minister @narendramodi on 25 years of continuous leadership in government, from Gujarat to New Delhi. Following my productive visit to India last month, I look forward to further deepening the strong partnership between our two countries", DeWever wrote on X.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said Modi’s uninterrupted political career reflected the trust placed in him by Indian voters.

“His public service has continued without interruption. After more than twelve years serving the people of Gujarat, he has remained Prime Minister of the Republic of India since 2014. A quarter-century of unbroken leadership is a rare achievement in any democracy. In the world’s most populous nation, it is a powerful testament to the enduring confidence the Indian people have placed in him", the statement read.